circumvented

USAGE SUMMARY

'circumvented' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means to find a way around or avoid a difficulty or obstacle. Example: The politician was accused of trying to circumvent the law by using loopholes to evade taxes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even where controls are in place, any barrier, password or ringfence can be circumvented with just a click.

The Guardian - Opinion

Orbán's critics' main contention is that the tax scheme could be easily circumvented by users changing their IP addresses or using foreign providers.

The Guardian

"But we have sadly seen … the wins obtained through Brown v Board, the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act have been circumvented by failing school systems, the school to prison pipeline, red-lining, gentrification, voter ID laws".

The Guardian

Will it be circumvented?

The Guardian - Business

He has circumvented the state monopoly on television news and made a large hole in a seemingly solid political system which he has ridiculed as a "toad sitting on an oil vent".

The Economist

Outrageously unfavourable exchange rates imposed by banks when sending money abroad, once unavoidable, can now be circumvented via dozens of online money-changers.No matter which service fintech newcomers "unbundle" from incumbents, the banks' business model will suffer.

The Economist

Even some explicit laws laid down in the Koran are routinely circumvented by Islamic judges.

The Economist

And the debate that Napster sparked over music ownership, fan distribution, and artist royalties is still affecting the music industry today.Napster's system, which allowed fans to upload and share millions of music files for free, circumvented the music industry's business model and agitated artists.

The Economist

But in previous cases of hostage-taking the Philippine authorities have circumvented this rule: for example, by paying the kidnappers vast amounts in expenses for the "board and lodging" of their captives.Even so, the demand for money, if and when it comes, is likely to be buried in a list of political demands.

The Economist

But Mr Yanukovich has circumvented this "formality" and de facto appointed his own prime minister and cabinet.

The Economist

The British government's attempt to block BitTorrent peer-to-peer sites was circumvented in a matter of hours.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "circumvented", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being avoided, whether it's a rule, law, or obstacle. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "circumvented" when "solved" or "resolved" is more appropriate. "Circumvented" implies avoidance, often with a negative connotation, while "solved" suggests a direct solution.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "circumvented" is as the past participle of the verb "circumvent". It is often used in passive voice constructions or as an adjective to describe something that has been successfully avoided or bypassed. According to Ludwig, this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circumvented" functions as the past participle of "circumvent", indicating the successful avoidance of a rule, law, or obstacle. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a correct usage, often implying a strategic or clever approach. Its register ranges from neutral to formal, appearing frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. Related phrases include "bypassed", "evaded", and "sidestepped", each carrying slightly different nuances. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what was being avoided and avoid using "circumvented" when a more direct solution like "solved" is more appropriate. With a high expert rating and significant presence in authoritative sources, "circumvented" is a versatile and reliable term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bypassed

Implies a direct route was skipped, often to save time or effort.

evaded

Suggests skillful escape or avoidance, often from something negative.

dodged

Implies quick or agile movement to avoid something.

got around

A more informal way of saying circumvented.

skirted

Indicates avoiding the main issue or topic.

sidestepped

Suggests a deliberate move to avoid confrontation or a direct answer.

eluded

Suggests escaping notice or detection.

outwitted

Implies using cleverness to overcome an obstacle or opponent.

navigated around

Implies careful maneuvering to avoid a problem.

found a loophole

Refers specifically to exploiting an ambiguity or omission in a rule or law.

FAQs

How to use "circumvented" in a sentence?

You can use "circumvented" to describe avoiding a rule, law, or obstacle. For example, "The company "circumvented" the regulations by using a loophole."

What can I say instead of "circumvented"?

You can use alternatives like "bypassed", "evaded", or "sidestepped" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "circumvented" or "contravened"?

"Circumvented" means to avoid something, while "contravened" means to violate or go against something. The correct choice depends on whether something was avoided or directly violated.

What's the difference between "circumvented" and "avoided"?

"Avoided" is a general term for keeping away from something. "Circumvented" implies a more strategic or clever way of avoiding something, often a rule or law.