detour

[dee-toor, dih-toor] / ˈdi tʊər, dɪˈtʊər /

NOUN

indirect course

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deviation diversion

STRONG

branch bypass bypath byway circuit circumnavigation circumvention crotch divergence fork substitute

WEAK

alternate route back road circuitous route circumbendibus roundabout way runaround secondary highway service road temporary route

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Caregiving is not a detour from a productive life — it is part of it.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

The detour adds 10 to 14 days to transit times, significantly increasing shippers’ operational costs.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

The conflict, he continued, is a “little detour, and it’s working very nicely.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Perrin’s footage shows the basket of the hot air balloon packed with 13 passengers, all seemingly in good spirits despite the unexpected detour.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Now they were almost to the detour that led to the pond.

From "Tiger Boy" by Mitali Perkins

Vocabulary lists containing detour

Achievement First 5th Grade IA 1 Words

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Barbara Bush (1925 - 2018) Tribute List

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Shiloh

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