curl 1 of 2

noun

Definition of curlnext
as in wave
a length of hair that forms a loop or series of loops let her hair grow in its natural curls

Synonyms & Similar Words

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curl

2 of 2

verb

ˈkər(-ə)l How to pronounce curl (audio)
as in to coil
to follow a circular or spiral course an inviting path for joggers curls around the reservoir

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 curl
Noun
For chocolate curls, use a vegetable peeler to shave chocolate from a chocolate bar. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2026 As Annie was apologizing, the woman with the curls took the bottle from her hand and threw it back anyway. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
Centuries later, Art Nouveau revived nature’s patterns once again, bending iron and glass into curling stems and petals. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026 After the break, Croatia's defense was sliced open again on a quick break and Elliot Anderson curled in a cross from the right and Kane slid in at the back post for a poacher's finish. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curl
  1. wave
  2. coil
  3. lock
  4. wind
  5. ringlet
  6. curve
  7. frizz
  8. swirl
Noun
  • Two weeks later, a wave of protests had swept cities across France.
    — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The death of actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte was met with a wave of grief from his Breaking Bad co-stars, who shared memories of Mitte following the tragedy.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of wave
Verb
  • Even after this week's Houthi attack on a Saudi Aramco facility, WTI is coiled in a tight triangle between falling resistance in the low 100s and rising support near 90.
    — Todd Gordon, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The song stays coiled, neither tightening its grip nor exploding into noise.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of coil
Noun
  • Then, too, some bowhunters simply aren’t physically able to climb up and down a tree to a lock-on, or use a climber.
    — Colin Moore, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Ask about account PINs, number locks and additional verification.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of lock
Verb
  • Produced by Awesomeness Films, the movie then embarked on a winding journey to release after Viacom bought Awesomeness and eventually merged with CBS.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The estate’s outdoor spaces are equally inviting, with covered walkways winding through the picturesque grounds and connecting a deep oval swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a bocce court.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of wind
Noun
  • As exhibited at Bora Aksu, hair was unapologetically romantic, with feathery ponytails, glossy ringlets, and bows in abundance.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Her hair was equally refined and regal, featuring rolling ringlets and the same rhinestone embellishments that bridged her nose and cheeks.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of ringlet
Verb
  • Animators studied ostriches before feeding their digital movement curves into a six-axis mechanical rig carrying the performers.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The tangle of stubby points stood out like overgrown thumbs, and the down-curving prongs on either side of his head were at least a foot long.
    — Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of curve
Noun
  • There's zero frizz, all volume, and just the most Farrah Fawcett-like hair of your life—no tugging, singing, or sore arms necessary.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Curling mousse will define your curls while adding volume and controlling frizz.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of frizz
Verb
  • Despite the fact that the brand was receiving better reviews and creating more buzz recently, speculation had been swirling for months that Leoni’s contract may not be renewed.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Questions continue to swirl, even as a second phase of the anti-fraud effort is underway.
    — Julie Appleby, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of swirl

Phrases Containing curl

Browse Nearby Words

curiousness
curl
curled
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Cite this Entry

“Curl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curl. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on curl

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about curl

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