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
Autoimmune diseases were used as an indirect marker of chronic inflammation, rather than direct measures using inflammatory biomarkers, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6).
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New Atlas, 24 June 2025
In the first few months of this year, the Iranian regime did engage in indirect negotiations toward a new nuclear deal with the Trump administration.
—Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2025
The official, who insisted on anonymity to discuss the Monday talks, said Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff communicated with the Iranians through direct and indirect channels.
—Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
After five rounds of indirect negotiations, the White House had demanded strict limits on Iran’s nuclear program that, to Iranian officials, did in fact amount to surrender.
—Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for indirect
New Atlas, 24 June 2025
In the first few months of this year, the Iranian regime did engage in indirect negotiations toward a new nuclear deal with the Trump administration.
—Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2025
The official, who insisted on anonymity to discuss the Monday talks, said Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff communicated with the Iranians through direct and indirect channels.
—Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
After five rounds of indirect negotiations, the White House had demanded strict limits on Iran’s nuclear program that, to Iranian officials, did in fact amount to surrender.
—Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indirect
Adjective
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In a roundabout way, giving away Google's search tech could actually increase its influence.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
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So, in a roundabout way, the current economic storm is an unexpected boon for student loan borrowers.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Guests descend several circular staircases into a network of chalk pits and galleries, parts of which date to the Gallo-Roman era.—
Rachel King,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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Fashion for Good recently published an article that examines the environmental challenges of denim production and provides alternatives for more circular systems.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Indirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indirect. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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