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
Meanwhile, the Gators’ stellar three-man starting backcourt features players who followed circuitous paths to UF.
—
Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2025
But five challenging and circuitous seasons later, Sale finally got a chance to deliver something closely resembling the best-case scenario — and all but cemented his Cooperstown candidacy in the process.
—Jerry Beach, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Choi’s path to breaking was as circuitous as the sport’s path was to Paris.
—David Aldridge, The Athletic, 5 Aug. 2024
This will be a big theme going forward as the AI wave takes a circuitous path to technology nirvana.
—R. Scott Raynovich, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for circuitous
Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2025
But five challenging and circuitous seasons later, Sale finally got a chance to deliver something closely resembling the best-case scenario — and all but cemented his Cooperstown candidacy in the process.
—Jerry Beach, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Choi’s path to breaking was as circuitous as the sport’s path was to Paris.
—David Aldridge, The Athletic, 5 Aug. 2024
This will be a big theme going forward as the AI wave takes a circuitous path to technology nirvana.
—R. Scott Raynovich, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for circuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circuitous
Adjective
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In a roundabout way, one of the few things that could potentially stop Mbappe from smashing those individual records is precisely the calibre of player around him.—
Thom Harris,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
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The project, spanning approximately 8.65 acres, is slated to facilitate the roundabout project on Highway 212 in Glencoe.—
Janean Sorrell,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In the early morning hours of Dec. 26, 1996, Patsy Ramsey called 911 to report her 6-year-old daughter JonBenét missing, and found a rambling ransom note left inside their Boulder, Colorado, home.—
Erin Moriarty,
CBS News,
20 Dec. 2024
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His statement came a day after the release of the Netflix series, which takes viewers back to the morning after Christmas 28 years ago, when JonBenét’s mother called 911 to report finding a rambling ransom note and her daughter missing.—
Elizabeth Chuck,
NBC News,
3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Conflict can be expressed in different ways—some approaches are direct and confront issues head-on, while others are more indirect and cooperative.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
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The Anderson forecast also cited tariffs’ more indirect consequences.—
David Lightman,
Sacramento Bee,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Words, including those of artists themselves—as prolix in their way as critics, curators, and historians—can serve vision but can also deflect from it.—
Barry Schwabsky,
ARTnews.com,
3 Sep. 2019
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In 1949, a young American artist named Ray Johnson left Black Mountain College near Asheville, N.C., moved to New York City and began to explore his prolix talents, both visual and verbal.—
Roberta Smith,
New York Times,
30 May 2024
Adjective
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Simply apply a few pumps onto dry skin and gently rub your face in circular motions for at least 30 seconds.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
28 Feb. 2025
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Berlin is among the most active circular economies in El Salvador, with over 150 merchants accepting Bitcoin.—
Javier Bastardo,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to circuitous
Cite this Entry
“Circuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circuitous. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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