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 Different Winter Weather Pattern Emerges These incidents often result in direct damages, such as data breaches, service disruptions, and financial loss, as well as indirect effects, including reputational damage and customer trust issues.
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Lars Daniel, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Those connections may either be direct or indirect.
—Jon McGowan, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
To root in water, place the cut ends into one to two inches of water and place them in indirect light.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024
The state budget office generated the preliminary figure for direct or indirect damages and potential investments to prevent similar destruction in future storms.
—CBS News, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for indirect 
Lars Daniel, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Those connections may either be direct or indirect.
—Jon McGowan, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
To root in water, place the cut ends into one to two inches of water and place them in indirect light.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024
The state budget office generated the preliminary figure for direct or indirect damages and potential investments to prevent similar destruction in future storms.
—CBS News, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for indirect
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Cite this Entry
“Indirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indirect. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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