tortuous

adjective

ˈtȯrch-wəs How to pronounce tortuous (audio)
Definition of tortuousnext
as in winding
marked by a long series of irregular curves a tortuous mountain road marked by numerous hairpin turns

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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 tortuous The private tapes, as heard in the documentary, reveal far more than words spoken, often after each long and tortuous day on the road. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026 The tortuous regulatory system that is hostile to new nuclear plants makes the commercial process expensive, slow, and prone to legal challenges. — David Szondy august 31, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026 In one of the darkest days in Tour history, British rider Tom Simpson died after collapsing during a tortuous ascent in 1967. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 Marshall’s reelection campaign could draw national attention as Republicans gear up for a potentially tortuous midterm election cycle amid a bitter fight for seats in Congress. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tortuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tortuous
  1. winding
  2. curved
  3. twisted
  4. serpentine
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
Adjective
  • Like something out of a Slim Aarons photo, the curved midcentury pool was a popular setting for fashion shows in the 1960s.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Designed to be a private retreat, each seat is framed by curved sliding doors and walls for even more seclusion while in flight.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of curved
Adjective
  • As old wounds reopen, buried resentments and twisted loyalties resurface, Drea is pulled into a dangerous psychological battle with her twin, leading to deadly consequences.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026
  • So to layer that on top of an already very twisted, f---ed up villain leans into the meta-humor that Dexter likes to play with.
    — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of twisted
Adjective
  • Viewed from the waters of Turner Creek, a serpentine tributary east of Savannah, the dock stretches so far across the marsh that even those with 20-20 vision must squint to see where planking meets terra firma.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Unfurling through the grand midcentury Grill room was a snaking, glamorously gluttonous serpentine buffet that stretched from entrance to their 20-foot tall windows.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of serpentine

Browse Nearby Words

tors
tortuous
torture
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Cite this Entry

“Tortuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tortuous. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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