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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The journey there was circuitous, basically random.
—
Alexandra Romanoff, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
Her course to bobsled success has been arduous and circuitous, including moments of firsts for a woman – one of the firsts to pilot a mixed-gender team in four-man, and the first to drive an all-female team against men in a World Cup – and fights for a woman.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
This lion was traveling a circuitous route from mountains to foothills to backyards and front yards, navigating urban sprawl but avoiding encounters with people.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 28 Jan. 2026
Of course, that’s an extraordinary literal reading, perhaps one not warranted by such circuitous, exploratory music.
—Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for circuitous
Alexandra Romanoff, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
Her course to bobsled success has been arduous and circuitous, including moments of firsts for a woman – one of the firsts to pilot a mixed-gender team in four-man, and the first to drive an all-female team against men in a World Cup – and fights for a woman.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
This lion was traveling a circuitous route from mountains to foothills to backyards and front yards, navigating urban sprawl but avoiding encounters with people.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 28 Jan. 2026
Of course, that’s an extraordinary literal reading, perhaps one not warranted by such circuitous, exploratory music.
—Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for circuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circuitous
Adjective
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Part of Poole’s Wizards legacy is that his contract, in a slightly roundabout way, helped the Wizards bring Young aboard.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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The nightly viewership of the somewhat antiquated TV format can no longer justify the expense — at least, that’s the roundabout reason CBS gave for canceling The Late Show.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Her conversation was rambling and fascinating.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Mar. 2026
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This film, so seemingly unassertive, apparently rambling and plotless, has a devastating impact and aftershock.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Scientists had previously seen indirect signs that sunlight can spin small asteroids faster and fling material into space, but the UMD team’s models now provide the first direct visual proof.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Mar. 2026
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And through direct conversations or indirect, through him one-to-one or through his cabinet, messages-- definitely can be delivered.—
Major Garrett,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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His answer is this book: a laudably sincere, exasperatingly prolix and occasionally affecting rumination on the state of Egypt—its society, culture, history and politics—pegged to the maddening bureaucracy of the archive.—
Kapil Komireddi,
WSJ,
12 Mar. 2023
Adjective
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In addition to several circular walks from the front door of Freelands, the Test Way footpath leads directly to the pretty market town of Stockbridge, by way of The Mayfly pub, directly on the river.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
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Much of Nvidia’s financing spree has gone to companies that buy its chips, leading to criticism that such circular investments are fueling a bubble.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Circuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circuitous. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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