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 The private tapes, as heard in the documentary, reveal far more than words spoken, often after each long and tortuous day on the road. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026 The tortuous regulatory system that is hostile to new nuclear plants makes the commercial process expensive, slow, and prone to legal challenges. — David Szondy august 31, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026 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 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
  • At the center of the sprawling property is a 10,500-square-foot residence, accessible via a mile-long drive that winds through forest and across a curved stone bridge.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The silhouette was elevated by a curved stiletto heel, a defining element in Matières Fécales and Christian Louboutin’s designs.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of curved
Adjective
  • Hutch seemed unhurt beyond a twisted knee, but Ed, stripped naked, was a mass of small cuts and bright greening bruises that made an awful background for ridges of clotted blood.
    — Gerald R. Hunter, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Season 2 sees Boehm (Thompson) and Trafford (Wilson) chasing down another twisted mystery.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of twisted
Adjective
  • Unfurling through the grand midcentury Grill room was a snaking, glamorously gluttonous serpentine buffet that stretched from entrance to their 20-foot tall windows.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The team moved the handheld sensor in a serpentine scanning pattern and generated a two-dimensional magnetic map.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 25 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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