Synonyms of tortuous

tortuous

adjective

ˈtȯrch-wəs 

as in winding

marked by a long series of irregular curves

a tortuous mountain road marked by numerous hairpin turns

Synonyms & Similar Words

• winding
• curved
• twisted
• curving
• serpentine
• twisting
• sinuous
• crooked
• devious
• bending
• curvy
• windy
• curled
• jagged
• curling
• crazy
• spiral
• coiled
• circuitous
• zigzag
• indirect
• coiling
• uneven
• spiraling
• swirling
• roundabout
• looping
• zigzagging
• circling
• rambling
• wandering
• corkscrew
• meandering
• irregular

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• straight
• linear
• direct
• straightaway

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tortuous

So is Ray Wilkins (Shawn Wayans), the former high school football hero who has a tortuous relationship with his sexuality and the closet. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2026

The news in December that the long-standing chairman was leaving, to be replaced by namesake and fellow Fosun executive Nathan Shi, was widely welcomed by fans who held Jeff Shi responsible for the club’s tortuous last few seasons. — Steve Madeley, New York Times, 25 May 2026

First, even leaving aside the long build-time, there is a tortuous regulatory maze that has to be navigated that seems like something the Greek gods devised to annoy Odysseus. — David Szondy may 24, New Atlas, 24 May 2026

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

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