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
If that research goes well, the treatment could advance into human clinical trials — often a long, tortuous process.
—
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
Homer’s poem tells of the Greek hero King Odysseus, being played by Damon in Nolan’s telling, and his tortuous, 10-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
New York's attempts to improve the quality of life of its residents by reducing car traffic below 60th Street have been long and tortuous.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 20 Feb. 2025
Werfel concocted a more tortuous explanation for his wife’s grotesque behavior.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tortuous
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
Homer’s poem tells of the Greek hero King Odysseus, being played by Damon in Nolan’s telling, and his tortuous, 10-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
New York's attempts to improve the quality of life of its residents by reducing car traffic below 60th Street have been long and tortuous.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 20 Feb. 2025
Werfel concocted a more tortuous explanation for his wife’s grotesque behavior.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tortuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tortuous
Adjective
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Newton’s path to jewelry making involved a winding international road.—
Kyle Roderick,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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After the afternoon prayers, the thunderstorm fading into the distance, a group of girls takes a winding cobblestone path through a thin area of woods and approaches a greenhouse.—
Lindsey McGinnis,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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There is a twisted texture that is quite dynamic, while still being compelling enough for everyday wear.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
23 May 2025
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An attempt to streamline that story line would render Elden Ring not unlike Game of Thrones: a dark, twisted fantasy narrative where death rules over all.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Some leaf-mining insects make distinct patterns, like squiggles or serpentine shapes, while others make irregular blotches, like this species.—
Miri Talabac,
Baltimore Sun,
8 May 2025
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Nichols Canyon is navigated by a serpentine road that climbs into the mountains above Hollywood and is home to some pretty spectacular dwellings.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
6 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tortuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tortuous. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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