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 How, for example, can the curly leaf shape of Lollo Rossa lettuce be explained? — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026 Witnesses described the suspect as a South Asian male standing 5 feet 7 inches tall with a dark complexion, short hair on the sides, and long curly hair on the top. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 Meir presented a how-to video for curly-haired spacewomen like herself, while Hathaway kept his bushy mustache — a space rarity — groomed to perfection. — Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Another notable look featured Chastain rocking a voluminous, curly bob while posing in a cobalt blue satin gown. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 8 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
  • If your hair isn’t naturally wavy, use a curling iron to add waves, wrapping sections around the iron in opposite directions for a less polished look.
    — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The person buried there is believed to have belonged to the Linear Pottery culture — named for the distinctive spiral and wavy patterns decorating its pottery.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 17 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 24 Oct. 2026.

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