Indirect Definition & Meaning

indirect
adjective
  1. having intervening factors or persons or influences; "reflection from the ceiling provided a soft indirect light"; "indirect evidence"; "an indirect cause"
  2. not direct in spatial dimension; not leading by a straight line or course to a destination; "sometimes taking an indirect path saves time"; "you must take an indirect course in sailing"
  3. descended from a common ancestor but through different lines; "cousins are collateral relatives"; "an indirect descendant of the Stuarts"
  4. extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action; "making indirect but legitimate inquiries"; "an indirect insult"; "doubtless they had some indirect purpose in mind"; "though his methods are indirect they are not dishonest"; "known as a shady indirect fellow"
  5. not as a direct effect or consequence; "indirect benefits"; "an indirect advantage"

Synonyms for indirect

allusive adj

characterized by indirect references; "allusive speech is characterized by allusions"

♫ Rhymes
ambagious adj

roundabout and unnecessarily wordy; "had a preference for circumlocutious (or circumlocutory) rather than forthright

♫ Rhymes
askance adv

with suspicion or disapproval; "he looked askance at the offer" with a side or oblique glance

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
askant adj

(used especially of glances) directed to one side with or as if with doubt or suspicion or envy

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
asquint adj

(used especially of glances) directed to one side with or as if with doubt or suspicion or envy

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
backhanded adj

(of racket strokes) made across the body with back of hand facing direction of stroke roundabout or ambiguous

♫ Rhymes
circuitous adj

marked by obliqueness or indirection in speech or conduct; "the explanation was circuitous and puzzling

♫ Rhymes
circumlocutory adj

roundabout and unnecessarily wordy; "had a preference for circumlocutious (or circumlocutory) rather than forthright

♫ Rhymes
collateral adj

descended from a common ancestor but through different lines; "cousins are collateral relatives

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
crabwise adj

(of movement) at an angle

♫ Rhymes

"Indirect" in song lyrics

See how indirect is used in real songs:

  • "Involved in violence heavily, indirect"
    DJ KaySlay f/ AZ, Prodigy, Raekwon — The Untouchables
  • "But it's indirect"
    Memphis Bleek f/ Beanie Sigel — Hustlers
  • "I can't understand, talking indirect"
    Rubbabandz — Too Hard 4 Radio

Words that rhyme with indirect

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Usage tips for "indirect"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "indirect" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for indirect to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with indirect ↔ Synonyms for indirect 🔬 Words containing indirect

Frequently asked questions

What does indirect mean?
having intervening factors or persons or influences; "reflection from the ceiling provided a soft indirect light"; "indirect evidence"; "an indirect cause" not direct in spatial dimension; not leading by a straight line or course to a destination; "sometimes taking an indirect path saves time"; "you must take an indirect course in sailing" descended from a common ancestor but through different lines; "cousins are collateral relatives"; "an indirect descendant of the Stuarts" extended senses
What part of speech is indirect?
Indirect is an adjective.
How many definitions does indirect have?
Indirect has 5 definitions across 1 part of speech (adjective).

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