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 And yet, Simon Farnaby is perhaps most recognizable for mugging his rather expressive and jovial face, usually beneath a crop of untamed curly hair, across a series of scene-stealing comic cameos. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026 Our lifestyle depicts a curly-haired young man in repose, draped in lush fabrics. — News Desk, Artforum, 7 Aug. 2026 The phone on the wall rang, and Rebecca snatched the receiver, then pulled the curly cord down the steps to the basement and shut the door. — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026 At the film’s Shanghai premiere, her short, curly cut was replaced with long, straight locks and choppy baby bangs. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for curly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curly
  1. curled
  2. wavy
Adjective
  • While attending the Hollywood icon’s 100th birthday celebration in Los Angeles, Jones rocked a curled bob, swept to one side.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Look in curled leaves that often contain webs with the larva stages — often called worms.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Definition of curled
Adjective
  • As black is used for the majority of the shoe’s surface — including the midsole, netting and leather toe tip — the vibrant and fuzzy material is applied to the tongue and the top two of the series of wavy stripes.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Hathaway topped off her heavenly look with an effortlessly wavy up-do and an ethereal blush-nude makeup look.
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 10 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on curly

Nglish: Translation of curly for Spanish Speakers

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