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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of indirect
Both Hamas and Israel have accepted a new ceasefire proposal and indirect negotiations on a deal have restarted, raising hopes that more could return home soon.
—
Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
The first round of indirect talks ended without any progress on Sunday night, but it is understood that Qatari and Egyptian mediators will regroup to try again.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 7 July 2025
While Netanyahu traveled to Washington, a separate Israeli negotiating team went to Qatar on Sunday for indirect talks with Hamas.
—Astha Rajvanshi, NBC news, 7 July 2025
The good news is that Anker is offering a free 10K Anker Power Bank as a replacement, or indirect refunds in the form of $30 gift card credits that can be used on the official Anker website.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
The first round of indirect talks ended without any progress on Sunday night, but it is understood that Qatari and Egyptian mediators will regroup to try again.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 7 July 2025
While Netanyahu traveled to Washington, a separate Israeli negotiating team went to Qatar on Sunday for indirect talks with Hamas.
—Astha Rajvanshi, NBC news, 7 July 2025
The good news is that Anker is offering a free 10K Anker Power Bank as a replacement, or indirect refunds in the form of $30 gift card credits that can be used on the official Anker website.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indirect
Adjective
-
So this ends up being a roundabout way of saying, whatever my most pressing need is kind of becomes my whole life.—
Hali Bey Ramdene,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
11 July 2025
-
For instance, the state's program is funded by a fee on oil production instead of by taxpayers, which means the industry is, in a roundabout way, paying to clean up its own footprint.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Turning those nutrients into domestic fertilizers not only cuts cost and waste but also reinforces a circular economy that strengthens regional supply chains and reduces reliance on global imports.—
Ryan Begin,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
There were 12 to 15 circular nests easily visible within about a 10-by-15-foot area next to the shore, with each one being guarded by a male pumpkinseed swimming in place in the middle of each nest.—
Sheryl De Vore,
Chicago Tribune,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Indirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indirect. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share