circumlocution

Noun

Meaning

The use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language; a periphrase.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

periphrasis ambages ambage indirect expression circle diffusion repetition redundancy roundabout convolution euphemism equivocation verbosity indirectness allocution
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Antonyms

definition accuracy confidence simplicity brightness conviction
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Hypernyms

evasion equivocation verbosity verboseness

Related terms

pleonasm

Examples

Whatever was required to be done, the Circumlocution Office was beforehand with all the public departments in the art of perceiving HOW NOT TO DO IT. Charles Dickens

Prefer the familiar word to the far-fetched. Prefer the concrete word to the abstract. Prefer the single word to the circumlocution. Prefer the short word to the long. Prefer the Saxon word to the Romance. Robertson Davies

I use circumlocution too often, and instead of getting my point across, I tend to babble. Genevieve Padalecki

Close letter words and terms

circumlocuitous circumlocuitously circumlocute circumlocution office circumlocutional circumlocutionally