TORTUOUS Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

tortuous

adjective

ˈtȯrch-wəs

Definition of tortuous

as in winding

marked by a long series of irregular curves a tortuous mountain road marked by numerous hairpin turns

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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 Slow-moving cars on the Ike, caught in their own tortuous crawl, still often pass our CTA train. — Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for tortuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tortuous

Adjective

But what once looked like a potential breakout career in San Francisco has instead become a winding journey through multiple organizations, with the latest chapter ending after a short stay in the Dodgers' system.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 14 June 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

Adjective

The design wows with airy lounges, plush seating nooks, chrome finishes, curved contemporary furnishings and floor-to-ceiling glass with jaw-dropping vistas at every turn.

— Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Featuring an ergonomic curved design, this support pillow is made for those who spend a lot of time sitting in the car.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

Definition of curved

Adjective

While the wrecks become partially visible during previous dry summers, this year’s drought has exposed far more of the vessels, revealing twisted hulls, decks, and steel structures that have remained underwater for decades.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
Laying it horizontally allows the roots to naturally grow downward and the stem to grow upward without getting trapped or twisted.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of twisted

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tors

tortuous

torture

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“Tortuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tortuous. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tortuous

adjective

Example Sentences

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