curly

adjective

ˈkər-lē How to pronounce curly (audio)
Definition of curlynext
as in curled
forming or styled into loops the boy's naturally curly locks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of curly My hair was thick, curly, and lush; my lips were full; my decades-long struggle with hormonal acne slowed to a stop; and my skin glowed. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026 The hairs were long, black, and curly like the pubes of a buffalo. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026 But those with curly hair might wash it much less frequently. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026 Its flat design is convenient, secure, and even approved by curly-haired shoppers with a tight, coily texture. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curly
  1. curled
  2. wavy
Adjective
  • Males have straight antennae, while females of the species are slightly larger with curled antennae.
    — Sean Donnelly, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Many marveled at a curled and rusted piece of iron that could have been one of the locomotive's wheels.
    — Brian Bull, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of curled
Adjective
  • Like the wavy structures of a coral reef, layered deposits in the Arabia Terra region of Mars showcase the planet's strange beauty and even stranger past.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Mailaender used different types of mirrors, geometric wall patterns, colored cork and linoleum, wavy steel and deliberately 1980s-style locker-room doors.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of wavy

Browse Nearby Words

curl up
curly
curmudgeon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curly. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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