as in winding
marked by a long series of irregular curves
a tortuous mountain road marked by numerous hairpin turns
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Recent Examples of tortuous
Across the United States, there are key animal species – indicator species, they are sometimes called – whose own stories exemplify the tortuous path of environmental protection.
—
Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
The 2 World Trade Center building will round out the long, tortuous redevelopment of the original 16-acre trade center property.
—CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Nerdy scholars, tortuous tenure tracks and college campus rivalry abounds.
—Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026
Sharks with lower energy reserves, in contrast, exhibited more tortuous or localized movements, likely reflecting a strategy constrained by limited metabolic capacity.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tortuous
Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
The 2 World Trade Center building will round out the long, tortuous redevelopment of the original 16-acre trade center property.
—CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Nerdy scholars, tortuous tenure tracks and college campus rivalry abounds.
—Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026
Sharks with lower energy reserves, in contrast, exhibited more tortuous or localized movements, likely reflecting a strategy constrained by limited metabolic capacity.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tortuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tortuous
Adjective
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Hosch, 67, went for a hike on part of the Appalachian Trail, a winding path that extends almost 2,200 miles through 14 states.—
Elissa Jorgensen,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Mar. 2026
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According to researchers, the INFLUX lattice forces coolant through a smoother but more winding path, improving heat removal and potentially offering safety advantages, especially during accident scenarios.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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This Acer curved display does more than just look good on your desk.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
19 Aug. 2025
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Bohemian tones found their way into the new season with even more of a wandering spirit, while curved silhouettes went against the grain and found fresh ways to invigorate blazers, pants, and even footwear.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The first trailer for the film adaptation of Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel gave viewers a look at how the stars are bringing to life the twisted story of a mysterious housemaid who was hired by a manipulative housewife, only to discover the family’s secrets are even more dangerous than her own.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
7 Dec. 2025
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Spoilers ahead for Dear X Since its early November debut, Dear X (친애하는 X) has had Korean drama fans on the edge of their seats with the twisted tale of actress Baek Ah-jin (My Demon’s Kim Yoo-jung).—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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But research by the bank’s senior policy advisor, Òscar Jordà, and the vice president of its economic research department, Fernanda Nechio, indicates that the line connecting tariffs to inflation is more serpentine than straight.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
25 Nov. 2025
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There are swift, serpentine vines dexterous enough to snatch Dek’s supplies; combustible little slugs that detonate like grenades when triggered; and exotic flowers that swell up and squirt paralyzing darts when something approaches.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tortuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tortuous. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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