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

Before we returned to Harvard, I convinced my parents to take a detour to Niagara Falls.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Vocabulary lists containing detour

Achievement First 5th Grade IA 1 Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Barbara Bush (1925 - 2018) Tribute List

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Shiloh

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!