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
In phantom endovascular models, the robot successfully navigated through tortuous vessel-like structures, demonstrating the technique’s potential for minimally invasive vascular interventions.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
For his role in the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which came out in 2000, Jim Carrey’s tortuous costume and makeup had him on the verge of walking away from a $20 million paycheck.
—Nino Paoli, Fortune, 15 Dec. 2025
Another machinery noise reducer involves cutting out the gurgling of flowing liquids by using special pipes that send the fluids on a tortuous path that minimizes turbulence.
—New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2025
In retrospect, 1943, which saw the publication of three remarkable books by three remarkable women, is sometimes seen as the beginning of a long and tortuous comeback for the ideas of liberty.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tortuous
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
For his role in the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which came out in 2000, Jim Carrey’s tortuous costume and makeup had him on the verge of walking away from a $20 million paycheck.
—Nino Paoli, Fortune, 15 Dec. 2025
Another machinery noise reducer involves cutting out the gurgling of flowing liquids by using special pipes that send the fluids on a tortuous path that minimizes turbulence.
—New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2025
In retrospect, 1943, which saw the publication of three remarkable books by three remarkable women, is sometimes seen as the beginning of a long and tortuous comeback for the ideas of liberty.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tortuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tortuous
Adjective
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Chapin said Tokyo’s narrow and winding streets, often crowded with right-handed cars driving on the left side of the road, will present a fresh test for its AI technology, but that Nuro’s systems are designed to adapt and respond in real time.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
12 Mar. 2026
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Hosch, 67, went for a hike on part of the Appalachian Trail, a winding path that extends almost 2,200 miles through 14 states.—
Elissa Jorgensen,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This 36-inch-tall tower fan features a curved air inlet and a multi-blade design that creates a natural wind-like effect.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
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The super high-rise fit defines my waist, while a curved yoke and higher back pockets create a perkier look.—
Elizabeth Mitchell Kadar,
Glamour,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The building appears to have been demolished with twisted metal, bricks and other debris littering the site.—
Moriah Thomas,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2026
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Boston and director Weronika Tofilska (who helmed the premiere episode, among others) draw out the gruesome undertones of familiar nuptial tropes with a sly and twisted sense of humor.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The serpentine crawl around the airport’s South terminal gave way to wide open space, offering no signs of what the vacuous hall looked like just hours earlier.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
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The shirt's three-quarter sleeves were perfect for showcasing her stacks of Bulgari serpentine cuffs.—
Kevin Huynh,
InStyle,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tortuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tortuous. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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