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
Most respiratory viruses, including Covid-19, flu and RSV, act through the indirect pathway, Roberts said, while enterovirus strains – related to the viruses that cause hand, foot and mouth disease – can directly infect the heart muscle.
—
Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
Make sure the orchid gets bright, indirect light for six to eight hours indoors, and use a grow light if needed.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
This will help strengthen local grid stability, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and drive significant economic investment to the Midwest region.
—Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
Milton ended up being responsible for 15 direct deaths as well as 27 indirect deaths, according to Florida station WINK-TV.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
Make sure the orchid gets bright, indirect light for six to eight hours indoors, and use a grow light if needed.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
This will help strengthen local grid stability, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and drive significant economic investment to the Midwest region.
—Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
Milton ended up being responsible for 15 direct deaths as well as 27 indirect deaths, according to Florida station WINK-TV.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indirect
Adjective
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In this roundabout way, the pledge would redound to China’s benefit, too, as long as Beijing truly does not wish to use force to annex Taiwan.—
STEPHEN WERTHEIM,
Foreign Affairs,
28 Oct. 2025
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In 2020, the Supreme Court — in a roundabout way — ended the confusion by refusing to consider an appellate ruling that validated special taxes proposed by initiative and approved by simple majorities.—
Dan Walters,
Oc Register,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The interior features a two-story circular foyer, natural fireplace, and a primary suite with a marble bath, according to the listing.—
Francesca Pica,
jsonline.com,
3 Nov. 2025
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The collaboration brings together Coach’s heritage craftsmanship and B&V’s expertise in circular innovation.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Indirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indirect. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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