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.

Researchers describe this history as an unusual evolutionary detour.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

That means that ships will continue to take a detour from the prewar route that runs closer to the Iranian coastline and must be coordinated with Iran’s military External link.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

However, the 72-year-old was forced to take a detour after he was told about the burglary.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Far from a mere detour, ‘Sinners’’ monumental musical sequence is ‘maybe the most important scene in the movie,’ says Ryan Coogler.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

They continued to the southeast for an unplanned but necessary detour.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

Vocabulary lists containing detour

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Barbara Bush (1925 - 2018) Tribute List

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Shiloh

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