as in diagonally
in a line or direction running from corner to corner
the photographer has framed the shot so that the river runs obliquely through it, creating a great sense of depth for the viewer
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Recent Examples of obliquely
Armand confesses his love, obliquely.
—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
His presentation obliquely mentioned Marklar, though not by name.
—
ArsTechnica,
15 June 2026
Picture him in his threadbare suit, nervously smoking his Tecla cigarettes, his eyes obliquely devouring everything, his notes on a small table that resembles a pulpit.
—
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
But, like John Paul’s words in Poland in 1979, Leo’s words in 2026 have addressed a global conflict squarely if obliquely.
—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
Bianco also obliquely referred to attacks Hilton has lobbed against the sheriff on the campaign trail.
—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
While López-Owens refers obliquely to Sweeney Bell, the clerk's other Democratic challenger attacks directly.
—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
26 Mar. 2026
On publication of the manuscript, the ghostwriter is typically named, albeit obliquely – perhaps identified as a friend or consultant in the acknowledgments section.
—
Emily Hodgson Anderson,
The Conversation,
25 Mar. 2026
The new president trod carefully, acknowledging only obliquely the legal end of the transatlantic slave trade in 1808.
—
Regina E. Mason,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2026
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
His presentation obliquely mentioned Marklar, though not by name.
—
ArsTechnica,
15 June 2026
Picture him in his threadbare suit, nervously smoking his Tecla cigarettes, his eyes obliquely devouring everything, his notes on a small table that resembles a pulpit.
—
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
But, like John Paul’s words in Poland in 1979, Leo’s words in 2026 have addressed a global conflict squarely if obliquely.
—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
Bianco also obliquely referred to attacks Hilton has lobbed against the sheriff on the campaign trail.
—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
While López-Owens refers obliquely to Sweeney Bell, the clerk's other Democratic challenger attacks directly.
—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
26 Mar. 2026
On publication of the manuscript, the ghostwriter is typically named, albeit obliquely – perhaps identified as a friend or consultant in the acknowledgments section.
—
Emily Hodgson Anderson,
The Conversation,
25 Mar. 2026
The new president trod carefully, acknowledging only obliquely the legal end of the transatlantic slave trade in 1808.
—
Regina E. Mason,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliquely
diagonally
Adverb
-
The light passed through it and slashed diagonally across the hallway.
-
Her bixie cut was tied back with a navy and white-dotted bandana folded diagonally and wrapped around her crown.
Cite this Entry
“Obliquely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliquely. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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