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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Recent Examples of indirect
In addition to examining how BHCA distributes money directly to charitable organizations, the auditors were critical of indirect transfers, by which BHCA transferred money indirectly through secondary, or pass through organizations.
—
Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
Simply keep the plant in a permanent spot that offers bright, indirect light but away from air vents and radiators.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026
Think wall sconces, backlit mirrors, and indirect illumination.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026
Ensure the mix has good airflow, give the orchid plenty of bright, indirect light, and hold off on fertilizing until the orchid recovers.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
Simply keep the plant in a permanent spot that offers bright, indirect light but away from air vents and radiators.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026
Think wall sconces, backlit mirrors, and indirect illumination.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026
Ensure the mix has good airflow, give the orchid plenty of bright, indirect light, and hold off on fertilizing until the orchid recovers.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indirect
Adjective
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Little was responding to a question about using impact fees for the roundabout, district spokesperson Rachel Bjornestad said in an email.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
16 Jan. 2026
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This is a roundabout way of saying no.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Together, the partners say the bridge sets a new benchmark for circular, carbon-neutral structural concrete and points to a future where buildings and infrastructure could become long-term carbon sinks rather than major emitters.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Jan. 2026
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With a soft hand brush or sponge, loosen dirt in a circular motion, moving across the wall from one side to the other, then moving down one line of tile and across.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Indirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indirect. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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