Tortuous describes something that has many literal or figurative twists and turns.
// The tortuous mountain path rewards climbers with a stunning view of the town below.
// Getting approval for a project of this magnitude is a tortuous process.
Imbroglio is a formal word that refers to a complex dispute or argument.
// Much of the sisters’ text thread involves the the latest imbroglios on their favorite reality show—who’s mad at who for what, and why.
1. suggested though not directly expressed
2. being without doubt or reserve
Catercorner is used to describe two things that are located across from each other on opposite corners. It is a less common variant of kitty-corner.
// The store is catercorner from the park, making it the perfect location to grab snacks for our picnic.
Paragon is a formal word that refers to a person or thing that is perfect or excellent in some way and should be considered a model or example to be copied.
// In Arthurian legend, Sir Galahad is depicted as a paragon of virtue.
To gallivant is to go or travel to many different places for pleasure. Gallivant is a somewhat informal word that is often applied when the user of the word does not approve of such pleasurable traveling.
// They’ve been gallivanting all over town instead of studying for their finals.
Dudgeon is typically used in the phrase “in high dudgeon” to describe someone who is angry and offended by something they perceive to be unfair or wrong.
// The customer stormed out of the store in high dudgeon after the manager refused to give them a refund for their purchase.
1. provide evidence for
2. authenticate; affirm to be true, genuine or correct
3. establish or verify the usage of
4. give testimony in a court of law
at great speed; rapidly
To augur is to show or suggest, especially from omens, that something might happen in the future. Used most often in formal speech or writing, augur is often followed by an adverb, such as well.
// The downturn augurs badly for the success of the business.