: a plan or method to circumvent a problem (as in computer software) without eliminating it

Examples of work-around in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As manual work-arounds increase, so does the potential for more errors and inconsistent information being shared. Farzana Abdulhusein, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The officials behind the plan offered work-arounds, the source said. Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026 Its closure by Iran produced the world’s biggest ever oil shock, but the markets scrambled to find work-arounds that helped soften the blow. Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 July 2026 Simmons called this a work-around for the sheriff to not have to take responsibility for the death. Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for work-around

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of work-around was in 1961

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Cite this Entry

“Work-around.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work-around. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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