ROUNDABOUT Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

roundabout 1 of 2

adjective

ˈrau̇n-də-ˌbau̇t

Definition of roundabout

as in indirect

not straightforward or direct took a roundabout route to the beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

roundabout

2 of 2

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 roundabout

Adjective

FullGood began with a mission to bring a vision of Americana to China’s streets—almost like Mitsuoka in Japan—though the company has had to approach that in a rather roundabout way due to the law. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Aug. 2026 Their glorious half century was brought to an end in a roundabout way by a thin scale of soft metal about the size of an aspirin, found in a whitewater stream in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada on January 24, 1848. — Literary Hub, 29 July 2026

Noun

The roundabout will be near, but not a part of the $200-million, 54-acre Alexander Farms mixed-use community off Westmoreland Road and West Catawba Avenue, officials said. — Joe Marusak july 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026 The $247,821 project, funded by the city’s Transportation Fund, will transform a section of downtown Roseville on the 200 block of Oak Street, between the downtown roundabout and Dry Creek, into a miniature street network. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for roundabout

Recent Examples of Synonyms for roundabout

Adjective

The sanctions aim to isolate the Islamic Republic from its remaining economic partners, including China, which buys more than 80% of Iranian oil shipments, usually through indirect channels.

— Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The financial-services industry has always been an indirect and noisy prediction market for relatively narrow topics.

— Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of indirect

Noun

Train service was not significantly disrupted by the incident, police said, adding that the forensic investigation in an underpass at the station had already been completed by the time the first trains began running again early on Sunday morning.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
In a 40-day period, researchers documented more than 40,000 animals – including elephants, primates, and big cats – using a single such underpass, which extended their feeding and breeding range while reducing potential conflict with humans.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of underpass

Adjective

Glass ceilings give the bar area a bit of a greenhouse feel, while the dining area is more sumptuous, with roomy semi-circular banquettes, oversized lamps, and contemporary art.

— Laura Itzkowitz, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
The bathroom, for instance, is housed in its own circular pod, while the kitchen sits in a central pit.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of circular

Noun

The buttons, switches and rotary controls also have a satisfying action, avoiding the flimsy feel that can undermine an otherwise attractive economy-car interior.

— Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Chouinard says low-precipitation rotary nozzles, such as MP Rotators, are the clear winners.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 20 July 2026

Definition of rotary

Adjective

Every floor and room is dedicated to specific watch brands and timepieces, featuring bespoke details like watch-hand door handles and winding-crown faucet handles, all crafted by Florentine artisans.

— Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
As such, the show takes you on a winding journey of France’s influential craftsmanship and its impact on America via archival looks, dazzling objects, and more modern creations.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 29 May 2026

Definition of winding

Noun

The traffic circle at Eagle and Amity roads in South Meridian was previously the county’s lone full dual-lane roundabout — meaning with two lanes going the full way around.

— Rose Evans August 16, Idaho Statesman, 16 Aug. 2026
The traffic circle where the arch would sit is right between the two landmarks.

— Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of traffic circle

Noun

Depending on one’s vantage, the concrete behemoth evokes a spaceship or a naval vessel, an airport terminal or a bridge, maybe even a freeway overpass (very LA).

— George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
The team built a mini-Los Angeles based on the live-action footage, including skyscrapers and an overpass.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of overpass

Noun

With humanity’s ecological interchange with nature subsumed and directed by capital’s endless circuits of accumulation, the exploitation of natural resources and the aggregation of waste ensues.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026
The interchange at Jackrabbit Trail and I- 10 will be expanded to increase traffic capacity and traffic flow.

— Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of interchange

Browse Nearby Words

round

roundabout

roundabouts

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“Roundabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roundabout. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of roundabout

adjective

noun

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