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
As demand for secure technologies grows, investors will prioritize companies whose supply chains are free from direct and indirect foreign adversary influence, particularly from China, Russia and Iran.
—
Katrina Rosseini, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2025
Direct or indirect, these are tax dollars the government is choosing to forego.
—Cory Turner, NPR, 23 May 2025
The company maintained its full-year sales and earnings outlook, with CEO Ernie Hermann saying that TJX expects to offset tariff pressures on both direct and indirect imports.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 22 May 2025
For one, there’s the notion of indirect value, which is hard to quantify for software providers that aren’t in the business of sales enablement solutions.
—Chris Mele, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Katrina Rosseini, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2025
Direct or indirect, these are tax dollars the government is choosing to forego.
—Cory Turner, NPR, 23 May 2025
The company maintained its full-year sales and earnings outlook, with CEO Ernie Hermann saying that TJX expects to offset tariff pressures on both direct and indirect imports.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 22 May 2025
For one, there’s the notion of indirect value, which is hard to quantify for software providers that aren’t in the business of sales enablement solutions.
—Chris Mele, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indirect
Adjective
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This is all just a roundabout way of saying that Playhouse was, in a sense, music to my ears — a dog whistle that snapped me to attention.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
24 May 2025
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Weak track record Wary of backlash from their constituents, Republicans have agreed on a strategy that would largely cut Medicaid spending in a roundabout way.—
Jane Tavares,
The Conversation,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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This concept has garnered significant industry attention over several seasons, arriving at a pivotal moment when brands are placing greater emphasis on product longevity and embracing circular design principles.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
4 June 2025
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This bold move reflects our commitment to a culture of repair, sustainability, and a circular economy across the European Union.—
Nick Nuttall,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Indirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indirect. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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