circumlocution

Definitions

The use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive.

A roundabout or indirect way of speaking or writing.

Examples

The politician's answer was a masterpiece of circumlocution, designed to avoid addressing the core issue directly.

Legal documents are often criticized for their excessive use of circumlocution, which makes them difficult for the average person to understand.

Instead of saying 'no' clearly, he resorted to a lengthy circumlocution that left everyone confused about his true intentions.

Synonyms

periphrasis verbosity wordiness prolixity diffuseness roundaboutness ambage

Antonyms

conciseness brevity directness succinctness pithiness terseness curtness