View synonyms for

indirectly

[ in-duh-rekt-lee, -dahy- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

in a roundabout way; not by the shortest or straightest path:
Since I had time to spare I took a bus that went a bit indirectly to my destination, and saw places on the way that I never knew existed.
by a connection that is not immediate:
We all pay into the federal tax system indirectly when we purchase goods from companies that pay taxes.
in a way that is veiled or not straightforward; obliquely:
I use poetic language to speak indirectly about those things that seem to slip from our grasp as soon as we name them.
deviously or covertly:
The ad comes from a group indirectly funded by the cult and calling itself by another name.
Grammar. as indirect discourse; not as an actual quotation:
If I’m reporting the person’s speech indirectly, I’d speak about them in the third person—using “she,” “he,” or “they.”

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Other Word Forms

��·��-��·�徱·��𳦳�·�� adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of indirectly¹

indirect ( def ) + -ly

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

District Judge William Orrick said that parts of Trump’s executive orders were unconstitutional, and that the defendants are prohibited “from directly or indirectly taking any action to withhold, freeze, or condition federal funds.”

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There will be suspicions the long shadow of Epstein's poisonous misuse of wealth and influence has indirectly claimed another victim.

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He was released on bail on condition that he does not contact the complainant directly or indirectly.

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The Indian government has responded furiously to the attack and has signalled it holds Pakistan indirectly responsible.

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News of the destruction of the oak came just days after a report from the charity Tree Council and environmental group Forest Research warned that trees were only indirectly protected, with some "significant legal gaps".

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indirect lighting indirect object

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