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 There, her hair was styled in light brown curly braids that flowed down her back. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 23 Oct. 2026 This variety pack gives you two boxes of fusilli and two of curly mac, so you are covered for a fast-cooking pasta night or a batch of mac and cheese. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 23 Oct. 2026 At these incandescent parties, Trakata founder Tani Shimizu, a 26-year-old trans man, can be found entrenched on the dance floor, often perreando with one or more beautiful, curly-haired femmes. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Fluctuating dew points can make loose waves, tight spirals, or corkscrew coils swell, turning a great curly day into a frizzy disaster. — Dana Oliver, Parents, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curly
  1. curled
  2. wavy
Adjective
  • For example, if the edge of a leaf grows faster than its center, this can lead to a curled or wavy shape—as with Lollo lettuce.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Males have straight antennae, while females of the species are slightly larger with curled antennae.
    — Sean Donnelly, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of curled
Adjective
  • The details didn’t stop there, continuing into her blond wavy locks, with butterfly appliqués incorporated into two thin braids, one on each side of her head.
    — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Her new fringe hit just past her eyebrows and fanned out at the sides, effortlessly melding into her slightly wavy brunette bob.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 28 Oct. 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 Nov. 2026.

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