# tortuous

/ˈtɔɹtʃəwəs/ (US) · /tˈɔːtʃuːəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tortuous
Updated: 2026-10-17

## Definition

full of twists and turns, like a winding road. You also use it for something long and complicated, like a difficult process.

For teachers: Marked by repeated twists, bends, or turns in physical form. Extended to describe reasoning, processes, or narratives that are excessively lengthy and complex.

## Examples

- The path to the village is narrow and tortuous.
- The bus follows a tortuous mountain road with sharp bends above the valley.
- After months of tortuous talks, the two sides finally reached a deal that pleased no one fully.

## Synonyms

winding, twisting, twisty, convoluted, tangled, complicated, complex

## Antonyms

straight, direct, simple, straightforward

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.