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

In a roundabout fashion, Fielder and Oppenheim became the filmmakers charged with the task. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 This Tavaputs country came to my attention in a roundabout way. — Erwin A. Bauer, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026

Noun

The turning-lane design — as well as a new roundabout just down the road at Boise Avenue — could reduce crashes by 31%, according to the appeal. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026 Even among the worldliest of us, an unexpected roundabout can trigger a fireworks-and-bald-eagles display of patriotic rage. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for roundabout

Recent Examples of Synonyms for roundabout

Adjective

But Yotsukura said the bigger gains may come from indirect uses across productions that involve more than 100 staff.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026
Perhaps even more important are all the many indirect effects insects have on the food supply.

— Chris Elphick, The Conversation, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of indirect

Noun

Ford has been behind some big projects for the city, including the completion of Colfax BRT, and the new pedestrian and bike underpass for the High Line Canal Trail.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
The first jerseys of the local soccer team featured a light-bulb emblem, and graffiti light bulbs are still spray-painted on the city’s underpass walls.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of underpass

Adjective

Massage, don’t scrub Use your fingertips in small circular motions, without ever scrubbing.

— Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2026
On top of his head is a small box, about one inch square in size, connected to a circular portal in his skull about the size of a nickel.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of circular

Noun

This includes small angled drills that will fit in spaces no ordinary drill can reach as well as massively powerful SDS rotary hammers and demolition drills.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
The property also retains several period details, including a hanging globe light and a red rotary telephone mounted on a kitchen wall.

— David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of rotary

Adjective

Highway 12 provides for a direct — though slightly more winding and arguably more scenic — drive into the northern and eastern portions of the North Bay.

— Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of winding

Noun

The arch would be built in the middle of a traffic circle tucked inside Washington's boundaries near Arlington National Cemetery.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Storing explosive ammunition and stationing snipers in the middle of a busy traffic circle close to other, more secure military locations, including the Pentagon, strikes many observers as simultaneously dangerous and ridiculous.

— Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of traffic circle

Noun

Herrin’s kill from the back row was followed by Stella Delgadillo’s kill on an overpass for the win.

— Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
An adjacent overpass over Agoura Road, as well as a land bridge still being built between the structures, are currently bare.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of overpass

Noun

With the new ramp, Gonzalez said drivers will have one more lane going to southbound I-95, and also won’t have to merge at the interchange to go south.

— Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Law enforcement closed the eastbound on-ramp to traffic at the Ten Mile interchange for about three hours.

— Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of interchange

Browse Nearby Words

round

roundabout

roundabouts

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Style

“Roundabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roundabout. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of roundabout

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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