INDIRECT Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

indirect

adjective

ˌin-də-ˈrekt

Definition of indirect

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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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 But consumers may see some indirect savings on groceries and consumer goods through lower supply-chain costs, as the exemption seeks to lower costs for farmers and truckers. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 6 Oct. 2026 Hundreds of direct and indirect jobs could result from the expansion around Huntsville. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2026 The meeting came as indirect talks between Washington and Tehran have yet to yield meaningful progress. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026 The city and county of Boulder sued Suncor and ExxonMobil under state law for contributing to climate change through global emissions, seeking significant damages for indirect harms. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indirect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for indirect

Adjective

Given that each Nvidia GB300 NVL72 enterprise rack contains 72 Blackwell chips and retails at roughly $3 million a pop, depending on configuration, that means Le Chonk cost roundabout $160 million in hardware—nevermind the electricity bill.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026
The Route 20 and Reinking Road roundabout is about 80% complete, Pubentz said.

— Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of roundabout

Adjective

As traditional retailers scramble to adjust inventory size curves, circular apparel channels such as resale, consignment and clothing rental are booming.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
The short, nearly circular route has only three stops in each direction.

— Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026