Synonyms: circumlocutious, circumlocutory, ambagious, periphrastic
Definition: roundabout and unnecessarily wordy
Usage: had a preference for circumlocutious (or circumlocutory) rather than forthright expression; A periphrastic study in a worn-out poetical fashion,/ Leaving one still with the intolerable wrestle/ With words and meanings.-T.S.Eliot; (`ambagious' is archaic)
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