tortuous

What is another word for tortuous? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Adjective — Having many twists and turns, or, figuratively, needlessly long and complicated.

We haven't recorded synonyms for tortuous yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use tortuous

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

a tortuous process a tortuous route tortuous negotiations a tortuous path

Tortuous carries a negative tone and suits formal or descriptive writing about complicated processes or winding routes.

Etymology

Tortuous entered English through Middle English from Anglo-Norman and Old French, and ultimately from the Latin tortuosus, which is built on tortus, meaning a twisting or winding.

Full origin of tortuous →

Frequently asked questions

What does tortuous mean?

It describes something with many twists and turns, whether a physical path or a drawn-out, complicated process.

Is tortuous the same as torturous?

No, they are often confused because they sound alike, but tortuous means winding or overly complicated, while torturous means agonising.

Is tortuous the same word as tortious?

No, tortious is a separate legal term meaning something that constitutes a civil wrong, and it is unrelated in meaning to tortuous.

Nearby words

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