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 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 Travel through the area can get circuitous for drivers as so many area streets are one-way and the area is heavily used by pedestrians. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 Apr. 2026 Cherry took a circuitous route back to San Diego, moving to Phoenix for high school, then a junior college in New Mexico for two seasons, then UNLV in 2024-25, then Sacramento State last season. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 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
  • His unwillingness to back Hilton drew a roundabout rebuke from California Republican Party Chair Corrin Rankin.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
  • And that, in a roundabout way, was the point.
    — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Definition of roundabout
Adjective
  • Honeysuckle The warm, heady, floral scent of honeysuckle, which is strongest at dusk, is instantly recognizable, and the romantically rambling vines and tubular blooms make the climbing varieties cottage-garden classics.
    — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 22 June 2026
  • Vocals have an offhand nonchalance instead of hogging the spotlight, melodies sneak up on you rather than announce themselves, and the guitars avoid crunchy riffs and overdriven twang in favor of tart rambling and clean supporting chords.
    — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 19 June 2026
Definition of rambling
Adjective
  • Iran has paused indirect talks over ending the war with the US ahead of the multi-day funeral.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • For charcoal grills, arrange coals to one side for indirect cooking.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 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 investment extends its pre-seed funding round, giving the startup a runway to fuel its AI ambitions about the circular economy.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 10 July 2026
  • One of the best hotel lounges in town, Travelle Kitchen & Bar frames postcard views of the circular Marina Towers next door.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Definition of circular

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Cite this Entry

“Circuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circuitous. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on circuitous

Nglish: Translation of circuitous for Spanish Speakers

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