1. the practice of not expressing something directly or straightforwardly; roundabout or evasive communication
2. a roundabout route or method; an indirect approach
3. lack of honesty or straightforwardness; deceitful behavior

Examples

• The politician’s indirection made it difficult to understand his actual position on the issue.
• She answered the question with such indirection that no one knew what she really meant.
• His indirection in giving directions caused us to get lost.
• The novel’s meaning emerges through indirection rather than explicit statements.
• I was frustrated by her indirection when I needed a clear yes or no answer.
• The detective suspected indirection in the witness’s testimony.
• Through indirection, the author reveals the character’s true motivations.