detour 1 of 2

Definition of detournext
as in deviation
a turning away from a course or standard we'll regard this relapse as just a brief detour on your road to recovery from substance abuse

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detour

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to bypass
to avoid by going around we had to detour the construction zone in order to get to the stadium

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2
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction we had to detour for a few miles around the section of highway under construction

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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 detour
Noun
Officials say message boards and roadside signage will be in place to alert drivers of the detours ahead of time. Dan Raby, CBS News, 11 May 2026 Fort Ross is where the Russians established a colony in the 1830s during their brief attempt to claim California, while the town of Jenner offers both a spectacular beach and a detour up the Russian River to notable wineries and craft breweries. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Verb
Pedal to Shady Lane Cellars and Three Trees Vineyard, or detour down country roads (follow signage from the main trail) to visit Mawby Sparkling Wines and Black Star Farms, a winery and luxe inn. Sarah Miller, Midwest Living, 29 Apr. 2026 The falls also drew travelers on the Oregon Trail who would detour to see the sight in the mid-19th century. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detour
Noun
  • Medical research has historically treated the female body as a deviation from a male baseline, leaving critical gaps in understanding that have real-world consequences.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 11 May 2026
  • The only deviations from the hue can be found on the steel screws on the bezel, the titanium caseback and crown chip, and the white accents on the dial.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • The Center for Biological Diversity has sued the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that its efforts to bypass environmental regulations to speed up construction are unconstitutional.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • Owner Dawn Welch has run it for decades, surviving a fire, a new interstate that bypassed the town, and everything else the highway has thrown at it.
    Heide Brandes, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • However, the uptick in flights observed off the Cuban coast is new and deviates from where these aircraft have historically been deployed.
    Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
  • Charles Melton sweetly dedicated an award to his wife and newborn daughter, deviating from his famously private nature.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Many guests are juggling packed itineraries—pyramid visits, museum stops, Nile cruise transfers—and the staff are well practiced at coordinating drivers, guides, and early departures.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
  • The family of former WSL head coach Matt Beard raised concerns that his employment and departure from Burnley Football Club contributed to the decline in mental health, and ultimately, his death.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Digital media give more prominence to the role of scientists and PR professionals who can directly appeal to the public, circumventing the gatekeeping function that science journalists performed.
    Prodromos Yannas, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
  • Lower courts likely won't approve a measure that aims to circumvent a Supreme Court ruling and would probably reject any law that ties the provision of general government services to the behaviors of the recipients, Smith said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Minnesota's Target Center turned into a political stage Saturday night as the Minnesota Lynx home opener against the Atlanta Dream was hijacked by a fan shouting anti-ICE sentiments.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • If the 2026 first-rounder didn’t convey, then the Clippers would get Indiana’s unprotected 2031 pick, which is the same year franchise star Kawhi Leonard turns 40 years old.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • The problem is, when your side lack intensity, aggression and cohesion, those traps are easy to spot and avoid.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • October 23 – November 21 The real conversation is probably the one everyone has been avoiding.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • When Bz points north, Earth’s field resists it; when Bz swings south, the two fields connect, allowing plasma to stream in.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • In a matter of hours, the South Korean Kospi swung from a fresh record high, above the 8,000 milestone, to a 6% loss.
    Katie Foley, CNBC, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detour. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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