Synonyms: tortuous
Definition: not straightforward
Usage: his tortuous reasoning
Similar words: indirect
Definition: extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action
Usage: making indirect but legitimate inquiries; an indirect insult; doubtless they had some indirect purpose in mind; though his methods are indirect they are not dishonest; known as a shady indirect fellow
Synonyms: convoluted, Byzantine, involved, knotty, tortuous, tangled
Definition: highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious
Usage: the Byzantine tax structure; Byzantine methods for holding on to his chairmanship; convoluted legal language; convoluted reasoning; the plot was too involved; a knotty problem; got his way by labyrinthine maneuvering; Oh, what a tangled web we weave- Sir Walter Scott; tortuous legal procedures; tortuous negotiations lasting for months
Similar words: complex
Definition: complicated in structure; consisting of interconnected parts
Usage: a complex set of variations based on a simple folk melody; a complex mass of diverse laws and customs
Synonyms: winding, voluminous, twisting, twisty, tortuous
Definition: marked by repeated turns and bends
Usage: a tortuous road up the mountain; winding roads are full of surprises; had to steer the car down a twisty track
Similar words: crooked
Definition: having or marked by bends or angles; not straight or aligned
Usage: crooked country roads; crooked teeth