Direct
Direct adjective - Going straight to the point clearly and firmly.
Usage example: clear and direct instructions that left no room for misinterpretation
Roundabout is an antonym for direct.
Roundabout
Roundabout adjective - Not straightforward or direct.
Usage example: took a roundabout route to the beach
Both words in one sentence
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Words with a direct connection are usually ignored in favor of words with a roundabout, absurd connection.
- Deus Ex's famous intro involves the Big Bad and The Dragon basically discussing the entire plot in a roundabout fashion and outlining the way they're pretty much running the world without actually giving away any direct spoilers about who they are or what they are planning.
Source: Villain Opening Scene
Cite this Source
Roundabout and Direct. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/direct/roundabout
Direct & Roundabout. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/direct/roundabout>.
Roundabout or Direct. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/direct/roundabout.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "direct" and "roundabout" have occurred on timeline