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 His Tony, tall under a curly ’70s moptop and sideburns, has the look of a hungry dog. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 July 2026 Valenti provided a crucial description of her attacker — a White male in his 30s with curly dark hair. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 This look creates a faux curtain bang effect and can look great styled straight or curly. — Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 26 July 2026 Brown also hosts a podcast dedicated to her trademark crown of curly hair. — Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for curly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curly
  1. curled
  2. wavy
Adjective
  • The rounded shape of the braids paired with the curled bun in the back makes this look ooze romance.
    — Sunnah Rasheed, InStyle, 23 July 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
  • White embroidery curved across the shoulders, while rows of wavy trim followed the skirt’s seams.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
  • Since the cousins share the same curly, wavy hair texture, Gamboa picked up curling cream designed for their hair type and walked Medina through how to use it, from styling techniques to everyday hair care.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 21 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on curly

Nglish: Translation of curly for Spanish Speakers

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