ROUNDABOUT Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

roundabout 1 of 2

adjective

ˈrau̇n-də-ˌbau̇t

Definition of roundabout

as in indirect

not straightforward or direct took a roundabout route to the beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

roundabout

2 of 2

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 roundabout

Adjective

Their glorious half century was brought to an end in a roundabout way by a thin scale of soft metal about the size of an aspirin, found in a whitewater stream in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada on January 24, 1848. — Literary Hub, 29 July 2026 In a roundabout way, Hugging Face CEO and co-founder Clem Delangue called for fewer safety guardrails. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 22 July 2026

Noun

The roundabout will be near, but not a part of the $200-million, 54-acre Alexander Farms mixed-use community off Westmoreland Road and West Catawba Avenue, officials said. — Joe Marusak july 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026 The $247,821 project, funded by the city’s Transportation Fund, will transform a section of downtown Roseville on the 200 block of Oak Street, between the downtown roundabout and Dry Creek, into a miniature street network. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for roundabout

Recent Examples of Synonyms for roundabout

Adjective

Put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light, keep the soil evenly moist, and open the bag once each day to let in fresh air.

— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
But the second lineage has a much more indirect and mysterious connection.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of indirect

Noun

Train service was not significantly disrupted by the incident, police said, adding that the forensic investigation in an underpass at the station had already been completed by the time the first trains began running again early on Sunday morning.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
In a 40-day period, researchers documented more than 40,000 animals – including elephants, primates, and big cats – using a single such underpass, which extended their feeding and breeding range while reducing potential conflict with humans.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of underpass

Adjective

There are two lounge chairs inside and two more on the private deck, with a heated infinity pool and a circular daybed, tucked beneath the awning for shade.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
The brand said the jacket is the first product to be certified by Testex Circularity, a standard Arc’teryx co-piloted as part of its work in circular product standards.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of circular

Noun

The buttons, switches and rotary controls also have a satisfying action, avoiding the flimsy feel that can undermine an otherwise attractive economy-car interior.

— Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Chouinard says low-precipitation rotary nozzles, such as MP Rotators, are the clear winners.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 20 July 2026

Definition of rotary

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

Noun

The traffic circle at Eagle and Amity roads in South Meridian was previously the county’s lone full dual-lane roundabout — meaning with two lanes going the full way around.

— Rose Evans August 16, Idaho Statesman, 16 Aug. 2026
The traffic circle where the arch would sit is right between the two landmarks.

— Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of traffic circle

Noun

Depending on one’s vantage, the concrete behemoth evokes a spaceship or a naval vessel, an airport terminal or a bridge, maybe even a freeway overpass (very LA).

— George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
The team built a mini-Los Angeles based on the live-action footage, including skyscrapers and an overpass.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of overpass

Noun

The project aims to improve Santa Fe Street from Ridgeview to Mur Len roads and construct a new interchange at Interstate 35.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Roadway preservation work is set to close lanes and bring delays along a key Boise interchange for nearly two weeks, the Idaho Transportation Department announced Wednesday.

— Rose Evans August 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of interchange

Browse Nearby Words

round

roundabout

roundabouts

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Roundabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roundabout. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of roundabout

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes