as in winding
marked by a long series of irregular curves
a tortuous mountain road marked by numerous hairpin turns
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Recent Examples of tortuous
The news in December that the long-standing chairman was leaving, to be replaced by namesake and fellow Fosun executive Nathan Shi, was widely welcomed by fans who held Jeff Shi responsible for the club’s tortuous last few seasons.
—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
First, even leaving aside the long build-time, there is a tortuous regulatory maze that has to be navigated that seems like something the Greek gods devised to annoy Odysseus.
—
David Szondy
may 24,
New Atlas,
24 May 2026
Across the United States, there are key animal species – indicator species, they are sometimes called – whose own stories exemplify the tortuous path of environmental protection.
—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
The 2 World Trade Center building will round out the long, tortuous redevelopment of the original 16-acre trade center property.
—
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tortuous
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
First, even leaving aside the long build-time, there is a tortuous regulatory maze that has to be navigated that seems like something the Greek gods devised to annoy Odysseus.
—
David Szondy
may 24,
New Atlas,
24 May 2026
Across the United States, there are key animal species – indicator species, they are sometimes called – whose own stories exemplify the tortuous path of environmental protection.
—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
The 2 World Trade Center building will round out the long, tortuous redevelopment of the original 16-acre trade center property.
—
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tortuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tortuous
Adjective
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But what once looked like a potential breakout career in San Francisco has instead become a winding journey through multiple organizations, with the latest chapter ending after a short stay in the Dodgers' system.
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As such, the show takes you on a winding journey of France’s influential craftsmanship and its impact on America via archival looks, dazzling objects, and more modern creations.
Adjective
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Using original photographs, and input from the Pourtout archives, the restoration team reversed the ungainly Saoutchik body modifications, and the curved windshield and twin rear-window design returned.
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Flat composite panels transform into curved blades The new method uses 4D printing, which means materials can change shape after they are made.
Adjective
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Previously, there was about a 2-inch dropoff on either sideline behind the benches, which posed a risk of a twisted ankle if a player ran too far out of bounds.
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Deep in the 531,148-acre Nantahala National Forest stands a towering and twisted hemlock that appears to be dead, but is very much alive on the inside with a colony of bats.
Adjective
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Caruso’s five-star resort at Rosewood Miramar Beach includes a staircase similar to one of Williams’s and a pool with serpentine edges that’s inspired by the one Williams built for a Palm Springs resort.
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Have the belt system inspected soon because if the serpentine belt fails completely, important engine components may stop working and engine damage could occur.
Cite this Entry
“Tortuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tortuous. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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