Meaning & use
circumvent
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Meanings
verbtransitive
To find a clever way around a rule, restriction, problem, or obstacle.
Grammar: Takes an object: circumvent the rules. It often implies avoiding rather than solving directly.
Patterns
- circumvent a rule
- circumvent the law
- circumvent restrictions
- circumvent an obstacle
They tried to circumvent the ban by registering through a partner site.
A tunnel was built to circumvent the mountain road.
The app circumvents old browser limits by loading smaller files.
verbtransitivedisapproving
To avoid a rule or control improperly, suggesting dishonesty or evasion.
Grammar: Same transitive grammar, but context makes the avoidance improper: circumvent safety checks.
Patterns
- circumvent safety regulations
- circumvent the system
- circumvent security
The factory was fined for circumventing safety regulations.
He circumvented the approval process by splitting the project into parts.
Investigators said the payments circumvented normal accounting controls.
Word forms
| third person singular | circumvents |
|---|---|
| past tense | circumvented |
| past participle | circumvented |
| -ing form | circumventing |
Common combinations
- circumvent a rule
- The new policy is hard to circumvent without breaking the law.
- circumvent the law
- Officials warned businesses not to circumvent the law with fake invoices.
- cleverly circumvent
- Engineers cleverly circumvented the noise problem with a new shield.
Synonyms and how they differ
- bypass
- Neutral or technical for going around a system, place, or process.
- evade
- Stronger and often illegal; suggests escaping duty, tax, or capture.
- skirt
- Means stay at the edge of a rule or topic, often only partly avoiding it.
- outwit
- Focuses on being smarter than a person, not avoiding a rule or obstacle.
Opposites
Word family
- circumvention noun
- The act of finding a way around a rule or obstacle.
Commonly confused: circumvent or circumnavigate?
circumvent vs circumnavigate
Circumnavigate means sail or travel around the world or an area; circumvent means avoid or go around a difficulty.
Practice
The company tried to ___ the new export rules by routing goods through a third country.
Choose one answer.
Circumvent means cleverly go around rules. Confront means face directly, respect means follow, and explain does not fit the evasive strategy.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “circumvent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.