circuitous

adjective

(ˌ)sər-ˈkyü-ə-təs How to pronounce circuitous (audio)
Definition of circuitousnext
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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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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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of circuitous Tamerra Griffin and Carl Anka recap the USMNT’s dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay by diving into the circuitous journey of two-goal hero Folarin Balogun with senior soccer writer Paul Tenorio. — The Athletic, New York Times, 16 June 2026 That trip provided the source material for The Professional, a circuitous fish-out-of-water travelogue that serves as a meditation on the contradictions of performing music as a non-musician. — Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026 Yoo’s images circle back on themselves in pleasurably circuitous loops. — Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 Nathan learned about the fate of a great-aunt, who was confined at Theresienstadt, and her grandson, who by a circuitous, ultimately tragic path is remembered by Catholics as a martyr. — Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for circuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for circuitous
  1. roundabout
  2. rambling
  3. indirect
  4. prolix
  5. circular
Adjective
  • Half the fun of this market is visiting the charming community of Kensington, a mini British village with its pub and roundabout.
    — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • His unwillingness to back Hilton drew a roundabout rebuke from California Republican Party Chair Corrin Rankin.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of roundabout
Adjective
  • The rambling title track is another thoughtful tribute, paying homage to the female warriors that tend bar while often experiencing hell.
    — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 16 July 2026
  • Plant Rambling Vines Another way to make the most of your landscape is by planting lovely rambling vines.
    — Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
Definition of rambling
Adjective
  • By dominating the digital world, Silicon Valley has already exerted indirect control over the physical one.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026
  • Instead, they must be placed outside the barrier, forcing reliance on indirect measurements during operation and physical inspection after shutdown, according to a press release.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
Definition of indirect
Adjective
  • Even the blandest overtures can whip him into a frantic, pornographic, prolix ecstasy.
    — Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The album is a concise, 10-song set, a deliberate contrast to prolix streaming-era albums like the ones released lately by Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
    — Jon Pareles, New York Times, 17 May 2024
Definition of prolix
Adjective
  • The goal is to demonstrate that circular denim can be inspiring for designers, credible for sourcing teams, relevant for brands and compelling for consumers.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 17 July 2026
  • Precautions are especially important when learning to use a new power tool like a circular saw.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
Definition of circular

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circuit judges
circuitous
circuitously
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Cite this Entry

“Circuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circuitous. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on circuitous

Nglish: Translation of circuitous for Spanish Speakers

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