Circumvents

To find a way around (an obstacle, difficulty, or rule) by using cleverness or trickery; to overcome or avoid a problem or system, often in a subtle or indirect manner. The act of circumventing usually implies navigating a situation to bypass a limitation or restriction, achieve a goal, or evade consequences. It suggests a skillful approach to maneuvering around something that might otherwise impede progress. Circumventing often involves understanding the loopholes or weaknesses of the system or situation being addressed and exploiting them to one's advantage. The process can be seen as a clever workaround to achieve an end without confronting an obstacle directly.

Circumvents meaning with examples

• The company, facing stringent import regulations, successfully circumvented tariffs by establishing a manufacturing plant in a country with more favorable trade agreements. This allowed them to distribute their products globally more cost-effectively, highlighting their ability to adapt to economic challenges. They strategically used the trade laws and regional regulations, and their strategy led to a notable business growth.
• To avoid the tedious process of obtaining multiple signatures, the project manager circumvented the bureaucratic procedures by seeking verbal approval and documenting the decisions via email, allowing the project to advance more quickly. This proved successful in preventing delays and kept the timeline on schedule. His actions demonstrated innovative problem-solving.
• During the siege, the soldiers circumvented the enemy's defenses by constructing a hidden tunnel, allowing them to resupply their forces and launch a surprise attack, breaking the deadlock. Their actions proved that creativity and cunning could lead to successful military strategies and victories. This maneuver provided them with strategic advantages.
• The hacker skillfully circumvented the website's security protocols to access sensitive data, exposing vulnerabilities that the website owners were unaware of. His methods demonstrated knowledge of the system's inner workings and how to go around established security measures. He exploited weak spots to get the sensitive information.
• Rather than directly confronting the difficult topic, the politician cleverly circumvented the questions during the press conference, deflecting attention and maintaining ambiguity to avoid any political fallout. Their evasiveness demonstrated strategic communication and public image protection, while simultaneously preventing controversy from becoming a headline.