circumlocution
noun
a roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea.
circumlocutions
-
pluralof circumlocution.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
But some are prone to ludicrous circumlocutions like “Johnny faces challenges in the lived experience of interactions with his peer group in educational spaces,” instead of “Johnny doesn’t get along with his classmates.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026
Their circumlocutions were as entrancing as their ability to find the most precisely ironic words for difficult-to-name realities.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2025
The story rushes forwards, with dizzying circumlocutions, from there.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 20, 2019
It extended even to matters of language: Although his English was fluent, he peppered it with French circumlocutions and grammatical constructions.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 16, 2016
The convoluted syntax, multiple negatives, indefinite antecedents, and masterful circumlocutions of this statement defy comprehension.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
