Synonyms of indirect

indirect

adjective

ˌin-də-ˈrekt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• roundabout
• circular
• misleading
• winding
• circuitous
• twisting
• subtle
• tortuous
• serpentine
• sinuous
• deceptive
• insidious
• rambling
• duplicitous
• crooked
• dishonest
• wandering
• verbose
• calculating
• circumlocutory
• sneaky
• cunning
• prolix
• underhanded
• deceitful
• crafty
• underhand
• curvy
• meandering
• tricky
• long-winded
• devious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• direct
• straight
• straightforward
• open
• plain
• honest
• frank
• candid
• forthright
• undisguised
• unconcealed

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of indirect

Thousands of indirect jobs could also follow across the country. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026

Prepare a grill for medium-high indirect heat (for a gas grill, leave one or two burners off; for a charcoal grill, bank coals on one side); lightly oil grate with vegetable oil. — Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026

The future of Hormuz is hanging over indirect talks in Qatar this week — US officials are making the case that Iran would gain more from a nuclear deal than tolls in the strait. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 1 July 2026

These $15,000 to $50,000 trades gave him indirect exposure to Bitcoin. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 1 July 2026