1
as in roundabout
not straightforward or direct
we took a circuitous route to the airport so as to avoid the massive traffic jam on the highway
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2
as in rambling
using or containing more words than necessary to express an idea
a circuitous explanation for what seems like a fairly basic concept
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Recent Examples of circuitous
Several highways connecting the capital to the provinces have been damaged by floods and landslides, forcing travelers to take long, circuitous routes to reach Kabul, Public Works Ministry spokesman Ashraf Haqshinas said Saturday.
—
Abdul Qahar Afghan, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
When asked if this characterization is correct, Griffin effectively answered yes, in a circuitous fashion.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Hundreds of new lawsuits, led by Hursh, will follow the circuitous path left by Nida.
—J.c. Hallman, Oklahoma Watch, 31 Mar. 2026
To avoid closed or hazardous airspace, airlines are suspending routes or redrawing flight maps, sometimes following a more circuitous path.
—Andrea Sachs The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for circuitous
Abdul Qahar Afghan, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
When asked if this characterization is correct, Griffin effectively answered yes, in a circuitous fashion.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Hundreds of new lawsuits, led by Hursh, will follow the circuitous path left by Nida.
—J.c. Hallman, Oklahoma Watch, 31 Mar. 2026
To avoid closed or hazardous airspace, airlines are suspending routes or redrawing flight maps, sometimes following a more circuitous path.
—Andrea Sachs The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for circuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circuitous
Adjective
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Which is, in a roundabout way, how Colicchio ended up an investor in 30 companies.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
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Turn east onto McLeod, go right at the roundabout, turn left on Howell Road and make a right on Kirsten Road.—
Noah Daly
Updated May 12,
Idaho Statesman,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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Thankfully, Babitz did exactly that — no rambling thoughts, petty accusations or amusing missives left unsaid.—
Michael Schaub,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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Despite this rambling semi-introduction, Newman’s film makes quick work of all of this, recognizing that getting to the Tova-and-Cameron show (with, of course, many guest appearances by Marcellus) is the entire point of the picture.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Across industries, indirect goods and services can represent 10% to 20% of revenue.—
David Pennino,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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Use indirect heat and keep the ribs covered to prevent them from drying out.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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Even the blandest overtures can whip him into a frantic, pornographic, prolix ecstasy.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2026
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Ronald, who with his shock of white hair and prolix tendencies comes off like a frazzled professor, keeps to a more limited circuit writing out of his house and his office.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The first American pizzeria opened in downtown Manhattan in 1905, and the city’s signature thin, circular slice traces directly to that moment.—
Lauren Schuster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 May 2026
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When one of Zotkina’s colleagues, archaeologist Ksenia Kolobova, saw a pattern of circular marks lining the hole that were similar to those made by early human dental work, Zotkina was intrigued.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circuitous. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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