runaround

noun run·around \ ˈrə-nə-ˌrau̇nd \

|Updated on: 24 Jun 2018

Definition of runaround

1 : deceptive or delaying action especially in response to a request

tired of getting the runaround

2 : matter typeset in shortened measure to run around something (such as a cut)

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Recent Examples of runaround from the Web

For almost a year, Gunnar Vincens has gotten the runaround on getting back his security deposit from the owners of the Water’s Edge, a $60 million, four-building apartment development on Revere Beach that, according to tenants, is far from idyllic.

— sean p. murphy, BostonGlobe.com, "Apartment management won’t return security deposit? That’s just one problem at this Revere complex," 11 June 2018
Although Marseille's players had seemingly given up, having been given the runaround by the French star, their fans certainly hadn't.

— matias grez, CNN, "Antoine Griezmann masterclass guides Atletico Madrid to Europa League title," 16 May 2018
The condo association has pretty much been giving me the runaround.

— benny l. kass, chicagotribune.com, "Sorting out who's responsible for condo damage can get tricky," 18 Oct. 2017
Advocates for immigrants say the hardball tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement are blocking due process rights, creating chaos, and forcing runarounds in court systems to get immigrants who are accused of crimes in front of judges.

— alanna durkin richer, The Christian Science Monitor, "Local authorities struggle with ICE over bringing detainees to court," 10 May 2018
Advocates for immigrants say the hardball tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement are blocking due process rights, creating chaos and forcing runarounds in court systems to get immigrants who are accused of crimes in front of judges.

— Washington Post, "Legal limbo: US denies immigrant suspects their day in court," 10 May 2018
The documentary depicts the runarounds, omissions and injustices the family faced while challenging the official story from the police and jail officials in the Texas county where Bland was found dead.

— zoe haylock, The Hollywood Reporter, "Tribeca: Sandra Bland Doc Director Talks "Eerie Resonance" of Subject's Story," 27 Apr. 2018
And an official who was giving him the runaround made time to see him.

— azam ahmed and frances robles, New York Times, "Who Is Miguel Díaz-Canel, Cuba’s New President?," 19 Apr. 2018
The Gunners created little chances after that and faced a few nervy moments from Forest striker Ben Brereton, who gave the clunky Mertesacker the runaround for a lot of the half.

— SI.com, "FA Cup Classic Sees Nottingham Forest Victorius Against Arsenal," 7 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'runaround.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.