indirect
adjective
in·di·rect
| \ ˌin-də-ˈrekt
, -(ˌ)dī-\
, -(ˌ)dī-\
Definition of indirect
: not direct: such as
a(1)
: deviating from a direct line or course : roundabout
(2)
: not going straight to the point
an indirect accusation
(3)
: being or involving proof of a proposition or theorem by demonstration that its negation leads to an absurdity or contradiction
b
: not straightforward and open : deceitful
c
: not directly aimed at or achieved
indirect consequences
d
: stating what a real or supposed original speaker said with changes in wording that conform the statement grammatically to the sentence in which it is included
indirect discourse an indirect question
e
: not effected by the action of the people or the electorate
indirect government representation
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Other Words from indirect
indirectly
\ ˌin-də-ˈrekt-lē
, -(ˌ)dī- \
adverb
, -(ˌ)dī- \
adverb
indirectness
\ ˌin-də-ˈrekt-nəs
, -(ˌ)dī- \
noun
, -(ˌ)dī- \
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for indirect
Synonyms
circuitous, circular, roundabout
Antonyms
direct, straight, straightforward
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Examples of indirect in a Sentence
We took an indirect route.
These plants grow best in bright indirect light.
He gave only vague, indirect answers to our questions.
They used indirect methods of investigation.
There were many indirect references to his earlier books.
Looking at her watch was her indirect way of telling him it was time to leave.
Poor nutrition may have been an indirect cause of the disease.
The cigarette stubs were indirect evidence that someone had been smoking in the room.
“He said that he would call later,” is an example of indirect speech since his actual words were “I'll call later.”
an indirect question such as “She asked whether the doctor had arrived”
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Recent Examples on the Web
Meanwhile, prepare the grill for direct and indirect cooking over medium heat. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Labor Day cookout: 3 sure-fire ideas for the grill," 28 Aug. 2019 The federal government also provides tax breaks and other indirect support. — Andrew Grotto For Cnn Business Perspectives, CNN, "Our lax cybersecurity policies put our elections and our data at risk," 31 July 2019 However, the Armed Forces can provide indirect support, the CRS report added. — Salvador Rizzo, The Seattle Times, "Fact-checking Trump’s talk on birthright citizenship, military at the border," 31 Oct. 2018 Between 2009 and 2018, the national and local governments went on to provide as much as $60 billion in direct and indirect subsidies, creating an industry that now manufactures and sells more than 1 million EVs each year. — Akshat Rathi, Quartz, "Europe is beating the US in the battery race—with China’s help," 31 July 2019 Fire managers will be using direct and indirect tactics to suppress the fire, officials said. — Aubrey Carpenter, azcentral, "Museum Fire near Flagstaff grows to 1K acres overnight," 22 July 2019 The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada estimates more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created as a result of the potential development at what will be called the Victory Logistics District. — USA TODAY, "Titanic auction, Legos, mighty Mississippi: News from around our 50 states," 22 July 2019 Induced effects are the results of personal income earned through direct and indirect impact. — Robin Goist, cleveland.com, "Study: Akron-Canton Airport has $1 billion impact on region," 12 July 2019 But historians, economists and other scholars say that few Americans should be surprised to find a personal connection — direct or indirect — to the exploitation of slaves. — Petra Cahill, NBC News, "Jeffrey Epstein accuser, migrant kids allege abuse and Megan Rapinoe: The Morning Rundown," 10 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indirect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for indirect
indirect
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of indirect
: not going straight from one point to another
: not said or done in a clear and direct way
: not having a clear and direct connection
See the full definition for indirect in the English Language Learners Dictionary
indirect
adjective
in·di·rect
| \ ˌin-də-ˈrekt
, -dī-\
, -dī-\
Kids Definition of indirect
1
: not straight or direct
an indirect route
2
: not straightforward
an indirect answer
3
: not having a plainly seen connection
an indirect cause
indirect
adjective
in·di·rect
| \ ˌin-də-ˈrekt, -dī-
\
\
Medical Definition of indirect
1
: not direct: as
a
: not resulting directly from an action or cause (as a disease)