Definitions

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

But the scares were middling to begin with because Øvredal — a game but overeager trickster — telegraphs his set pieces as if he were equipped with a flare gun and detour cones.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

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

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Jahara was too far north for such a slow ship like the Crux to get to before the Black Beauty, even if she was making a detour to Oxscini.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee

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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