1. the use of many words to express something that could be said more briefly; a roundabout way of speaking or writing
Usage: plural form of circumlocution; often implies unnecessary verbosity or evasiveness
2. an indirect or evasive way of speaking, especially to avoid saying something directly or unpleasantly
Usage: emphasizes avoidance or evasion rather than mere wordiness

Examples

• The politician's speech was full of circumlocutions that obscured his actual position on the issue.
• Instead of saying 'He died,' the writer used circumlocutions like 'He passed away' and 'He is no longer with us.'
• Legal documents are often criticized for their circumlocutions and overly complex language.
• She avoided the question through a series of circumlocutions about the weather and other topics.
• The teacher asked students to eliminate circumlocutions and write more directly.
• His circumlocutions made it difficult to understand what he really meant.
• Good writing avoids unnecessary circumlocutions in favor of clear, simple statements.