Circumvented

Circumvented means to find a way around (an obstacle) or overcome (a problem), typically in a clever or indirect way. It implies avoiding a rule, law, or difficulty by cleverly maneuvering around it rather than directly confronting it. This often suggests using ingenuity and resourcefulness to achieve a desired outcome while sidestepping potential hurdles. The act of circumventing can involve deception, strategic planning, or exploiting loopholes. It suggests an element of cunning or a desire to achieve a goal by the path of least resistance or avoiding the intended process. Circumventing can be a neutral term but often carries a slight negative connotation, implying the evasion of an obstacle which may have been intentionally placed.

Circumvented meaning with examples

• The company's CEO skillfully Circumvented the strict regulations by establishing a subsidiary in a less regulated country, allowing for more flexible business practices and higher profits. This strategy allowed them to pursue their ambitious goals without being stifled by bureaucratic red tape.
• Knowing the security system’s limitations, the hacker Circumvented the firewall by exploiting a known vulnerability in the server software, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data. Their understanding of the system's flaws proved key to bypassing the intended protections.
• Faced with a long and arduous approval process, the developer Circumvented the zoning restrictions by proposing a project that subtly matched the permitted criteria while still achieving their desired building design. This allowed them to advance with construction more quickly.
• In order to attend the event, the teenagers Circumvented the age restriction by using a fake ID, enabling them to experience the music festival they wanted to attend despite being underage.