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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 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 Neither side seems in the mood to talk; both have said that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreed in June after weeks of tortuous negotiation is no longer in effect. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 Breton’s often tortuous and highly idiomatic prose style presents an enormous challenge to translators. — Susan Rubin Suleiman, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tortuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tortuous
  1. winding
  2. curved
  3. twisted
  4. serpentine
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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 vast main deck could become a large salon, a stage, or auditorium, with terraces opening both to port and starboard, while curved staircases lead to balconies and private spaces above.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026
  • With a gorgeous curved display, its domed screen is bright and easy to read from any angle in any light.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of curved
Adjective
  • The menu sports a short list of slightly twisted classics—a martini made with junmai daiginjo sake, a gimlet with ginger-lime cordial, a white negroni sbagliato.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Jigsaw has found the next filmmaker to set up his twisted traps.
    — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of twisted
Adjective
  • The David Geffen Galleries at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, designed by Peter Zumthor, opened in April — a sprawling, serpentine concrete mass looming 30 feet above Wilshire Boulevard on seven bulky inhabited pavilions.
    — Sam Lubell, Curbed, 21 Sep. 2026
  • In photos shared by the Daily Mail, Amal turned heads in her flowy maxiskirt, which was covered in a serpentine print and featured a bold center slit that showed off a pair of towering brown stiletto sandals that were secured with an ankle strap.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 5 Sep. 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 28 Sep. 2026.

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