INDIRECT Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

indirect

adjective

ˌin-də-ˈrekt

Definition of indirect

as in roundabout

not straightforward or direct the cab driver took a very indirect route to the hotel a long-winded, indirect answer to a very simple question

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of indirect The gin is produced using the traditional discontinuous, indirect steam distillation method on a base of Italian grain alcohol, allowing each botanical to be infused gradually and with precision. — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 In fact, the indirect economic pain to other countries from a blockade by fire would be the same as that of a traditional blockade scenario. — Eugene Gholz, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026 The rest were chosen through an indirect selection process, with input from local electoral colleges. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026 Florida has offices for 429 companies founded in Israel, resulting in 26,510 direct and indirect jobs, according to a 2025 report by the United States-Israel Business Alliance. — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indirect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for indirect

Adjective

FullGood began with a mission to bring a vision of Americana to China’s streets—almost like Mitsuoka in Japan—though the company has had to approach that in a rather roundabout way due to the law.

— Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Aug. 2026
Their glorious half century was brought to an end in a roundabout way by a thin scale of soft metal about the size of an aspirin, found in a whitewater stream in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada on January 24, 1848.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 July 2026

Definition of roundabout

Adjective

Law likes Bobby’s dye pattern, but Willy and Heidi both think the dress’s baggy, circular shape is unflattering.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
The fashion industry is facing new expectations around circular design, lifestyle accountability, and compliance, meaning that the next generation of designers and fashion professionals will need to prepare.

— Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026