Indirect — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌin-də-ˈrekt/ in·di·rect

Meaning & Definition of Indirect

Indirect (adjective)

  1. not direct
  2. deviating from a direct line or course, roundabout
  3. not going straight to the point

Indirect (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: circuitous, circular, roundabout
    related: crooked, curvy, serpentine, sinuous, tortuous, twisting, winding, meandering, rambling, wandering, circumlocutory, long-winded, prolix, verbose, deceitful, deceptive, devious, dishonest, duplicitous, insidious, misleading, sneaky, underhand, underhanded, calculating, crafty, cunning, subtle, tricky
    opposite: direct, straight, straightforward
    near: candid, forthright, frank, honest, open, plain, unconcealed, undisguised

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Indirect

The most common words with a similar meaning to Indirect:

circuitous, circular, roundabout

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Indirect

Words with the opposite meaning of Indirect:

direct, straight, straightforward

Related Words for Indirect

crooked, curvy, serpentine, sinuous, tortuous, twisting, winding, meandering, rambling, wandering, circumlocutory, long-winded, prolix, verbose, deceitful, deceptive, devious, dishonest, duplicitous, insidious, misleading, sneaky, underhand, underhanded, calculating, crafty, cunning, subtle, tricky

Near Antonyms of Indirect

candid, forthright, frank, honest, open, plain, unconcealed, undisguised

Word Forms of Indirect

Derived words: indirectly (adverb), indirectness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Indirect

Middle English, from Medieval Latin indirectus, from Latin in- + directus direct dress

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Indirect

Words & Phrases Containing Indirect

indirect cost, indirect evidence, indirect lighting, indirect object

Frequently Asked Questions about Indirect

What does "Indirect" mean?

"Indirect" means not direct. As an adjective, it is defined as: not direct.

What is another word for "Indirect"?

Other words for "Indirect" include circuitous, circular and roundabout. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Indirect" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Indirect"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Indirect". Common alternatives include circuitous, circular and roundabout.

What is the opposite of "Indirect"?

Antonyms of "Indirect" include direct, straight and straightforward. Near antonyms include candid, forthright, frank and honest.

How do you use "Indirect" in a sentence?

Examples of "Indirect" in a sentence: "the cab driver took a very indirect route to the hotel"; "a long-winded, indirect answer to a very simple question".

Is "Indirect" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Indirect" is an adjective.

Is "Indirect" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Indirect" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Indirect"?

"Indirect" is pronounced /ˌin-də-ˈrekt/ and divided into syllables as in·di·rect.