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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Example Sentences
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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
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
Adjective
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And that, in a roundabout way, was the point.
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Republicans changed federal law to require an equal tax on private and public health insurance plans, negating a roundabout way California had used a tax on Medi-Cal plans to get more money from the federal government.
Adjective
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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.
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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.
Adjective
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Most varieties prefer dappled light and require at least some indirect sunlight or partial shade, says Schully.
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In April, Iran’s government told a Russian news agency that the conflict has cost the country $270 billion in direct and indirect damages.
Adjective
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Even the blandest overtures can whip him into a frantic, pornographic, prolix ecstasy.
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Ronald, who with his shock of white hair and prolix tendencies comes off like a frazzled professor, keeps to a more limited circuit writing out of his house and his office.
Adjective
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Seeing this sustainable concept come to life has inspired Cornwell to create his own circular fashion brand, which is set to debut soon.
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The company has also entered into financing deals with suppliers, including Nvidia and AMD, that have been criticized for being circular in nature.
Cite this Entry
“Circuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/circuitous. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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