indirect
adjective
in·di·rect
ˌin-də-ˈrekt 
-(ˌ)dī-
: 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
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”
Recent Examples on the Web
The student who has been sentenced is not to have any direct or indirect contact with Perry Meridian High School, according to the family's attorneys.
—
Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024
Three indirect deaths were reported, with damage in Puerto Rico estimated in the tens of millions of dollars.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
Fifth Avenue is responsible for 313,000 direct and indirect jobs, which in turn generate $44.1 billion in total wages and $111.5 billion in total economic output each year.
—David Moin, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
Scope 2 are indirect GHG emissions from the company’s power source.
—Jon McGowan, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for indirect 
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Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024
Three indirect deaths were reported, with damage in Puerto Rico estimated in the tens of millions of dollars.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
Fifth Avenue is responsible for 313,000 direct and indirect jobs, which in turn generate $44.1 billion in total wages and $111.5 billion in total economic output each year.
—David Moin, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
Scope 2 are indirect GHG emissions from the company’s power source.
—Jon McGowan, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for indirect
Dictionary Entries Near indirect
Cite this Entry
“Indirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indirect. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
indirect
adjective
in·di·rect
ˌin-də-ˈrekt
-dī-
1
: not straight or direct
an indirect route
2
: not straightforward
indirect methods
an indirect answer
3
: not having a plainly seen connection
an indirect cause
4
: stating what an original speaker said with changes in wording that make the statement fit grammatically with the rest of the sentence
"that he would call" in "He said that he would call" is in indirect discourse
indirectly
adverb
Medical Definition
indirect
adjective
in·di·rect
ˌin-də-ˈrekt, -dī-
1
: not direct: as
a
: not resulting directly from an action or cause (as a disease)
indirect effects of malaria
b
: involving intermediate or intervening parts or pathways
stimulation of one eye elicits narrowing of the pupil of the other eye by an indirect reaction
indirect attachment of a muscle through tendons
2
: involving or being immunofluorescence in which antibodies of two kinds are used of which the first combine with a specific protein and the second contain a fluorescent label and combine with the antibodies of the first type
indirectly
adverb
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