circuitous

cir·cu·i·tous

adj \(ˌ)sər-ˈkyü-ə-təs\

Definition of CIRCUITOUS

1

: having a circular or winding course <a circuitous route>

2

: not being forthright or direct in language or action <a circuitous explanation>

— cir·cu·i·tous·ly adverb

— cir·cu·i·tous·ness noun

Examples of CIRCUITOUS

1. Their logic seems a bit circuitous.
2. <we took a circuitous route to the airport so as to avoid the massive traffic jam on the highway>

Origin of CIRCUITOUS

perhaps from Medieval Latin circuitosus, from Latin circuitus

First Known Use: 1664

Related to CIRCUITOUS

Synonyms: indirect, circular, roundabout

Antonyms: direct, straight, straightforward

Related Words: crooked, curvy, serpentine, sinuous, tortuous, twisting, winding; meandering, rambling, wandering; circumlocutory, long-winded, prolix, verbose; deceitful, deceptive, devious, dishonest, duplicitous, insidious, misleading, sneaky, underhand, underhanded; calculating, crafty, cunning, subtle, tricky

Near Antonyms: candid, forthright, frank, honest, open, plain, unconcealed, undisguised

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with CIRCUITOUS

fortuitous, gratuitous