What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bypass
Example
Let's take the bypass to avoid the heavy traffic on the main road. [bypass: noun]
Example
They decided to bypass the usual approval process and go straight to the implementation phase. [bypass: verb]
circumvent
Example
Some people try to circumvent taxes by hiding their income. [circumvent: verb]
Example
She found a clever way to circumvent the security system and enter the building undetected. [circumvent: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bypass is more commonly used than circumvent in everyday language. Bypass is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while circumvent is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bypass and circumvent?
While bypass is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, circumvent is more formal and is often used in professional or legal contexts.
