detour 1 of 2

as in deviation
a turning away from a course or standard we'll regard this relapse as just a brief detour on your road to recovery from substance abuse

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detour

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to bypass
to avoid by going around we had to detour the construction zone in order to get to the stadium

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2
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction we had to detour for a few miles around the section of highway under construction

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of detour
Noun
The route’s optional detour to Pungyen Glacier might well be my favorite day hike in the entire Himalaya. Bradley Mayhew, Outside Online, 2 July 2025 On Sunday, the Denver Pride Parade will kick off at 9:30 a.m., prompting detours and delays for at least 14 RTD bus routes. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 26 June 2025
Verb
Both Ridge Road and Main Street will be used to detour traffic, with trucks using Main Street. Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 How to get around the Davidson Street closure As part of the closure, bike lanes are closed and detoured with signs. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for detour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detour
Noun
  • Because in the grand symphony of automotive manufacturing, this sneaky little data gremlin slipped past quality checks, and the deviation was written off as statistical noise.
    Raghu Para, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • However, the deviation came up front, where Gonzalo Plata, who is more of a winger than a centre-forward, started in place of Pedro.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Although the film raked in over $44 million at the global box office, the need to bypass traditional studios reflects broader patterns where Black women must build alternative systems to access fair compensation.
    Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Republicans in the Legislature put the measure on the ballot, bypassing a likely veto by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.
    Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Instead, the Olympian’s attention deviated to the officer’s appearance.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • That’s not dissimilar from what happened in the TikTok case, where the justices — including the liberals — deviated from free-speech norms because they were panicked by concerns about China.
    Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • The allegations were a key factor in Newey’s departure.
    Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Yes, the departures from last year’s title team now include Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis, Luke Kornet and most likely Al Horford.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The administration’s attacks on science demand a response from Congress, especially when political appointees try to circumvent the law.
    Matt Motta, Scientific American, 10 July 2025
  • The front companies are designed to help Iran circumvent U.S. sanctions by using offshore accounts to facilitate payments from refineries purchasing the sanctioned oil, according to the Treasury Department.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The downside is that each method has a potential reaction from the AGI or ASI that could turn things ugly.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • With an additional retrofit kit, the Allegro 2 can be converted into a tower, turning it into a double duty piece of equipment.
    Amy Wilkinson, SELF, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • For efficient and safe removal, residents should avoid stacking debris near trees, utility poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, or meters.
    Robbie Farias, Austin American Statesman, 12 July 2025
  • Together, the groups have created a high-tech stage in the upper stands, to avoid potentially damaging the pitch at halftime of such an important game, featuring 40,000 pounds of gear, scenery and structural trusses.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • When Bacho moves in to make a move, Sakamoto swings a stock pot at Bacho's head, rendering him unconscious.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • But when the opportunity presented itself to purchase the building block, Batchelor swung at the chance.
    Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detour. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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