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.

Later, back at NH Collection Suecia, Hemingway’s old Madrid address and my lucky perch for the week, I detour into the restroom.

From Salon • Jun. 23, 2026

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

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

An engineering degree in Bengaluru followed, though she speaks of it now like a temporary detour.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Having seen the smoke and tasted the sugared air on his tongue, he delayed his journey to Palestine to detour back toward Vienna.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison

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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