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arc 1 of 2

noun

ˈärk How to pronounce arc (audio)
Definition of arcnext
as in curvature
something that curves or is curved the stars seemed to align themselves into one vast glittering arc

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arc

2 of 2

verb

as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course the ball arced toward the batter and nearly hit him

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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 arc
Noun
Jordet notes that just before the kick is taken, United’s Matheus Cunha actually draws Ipswich’s Issa Diop to the other side of the penalty arc, leaving a completely clear line of sight between Scherpen and Tielemans. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Opening this episode with a flashback from three years earlier is a clever reminder to viewers about where this corporate initiative started, and the arc feels uncannily like that of Silicon Valley writ large. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
For example, in August 14 satellite photos, rows of dots appear arcing around the coast of Oman through the strait of Hormuz. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 Between them arc small pockets of woods and brushy drainages with alternating corn and soybean fields. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arc
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arc
  1. curvature
  2. curve
  3. angle
  4. bend
  5. turn
Noun
  • The more mass an object possesses, the greater the curvature, and because gravity arises from this curvature, the greater the gravitational influence.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The 2018 Equal Earth projection, on the other hand, follows the Earth’s curvature and shows continents in their true proportions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of curvature
Verb
  • The uppers dipped low at the sides, while the pump’s heel curved inward before widening slightly at its base.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The foreground object can warp the fabric of spacetime in such a way that the light's path is curved.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of curve
Noun
  • Again, while many dip to their left before throwing a hook to the body, the American stands tall and finds the angle with his long reach.
    — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Additional footage obtained by the Herald shows the deadly collision from overhead and from the angle of another police cruiser, shedding new light on a case that highlights the danger to the public of high-speed chases.
    — Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of angle
Noun
  • The offense put up a ton of points, but the defense looked more bend-but-don’t-break than like the aggressive unit everyone expected from new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, a star pupil from the Rex Ryan/Mike Pettine school.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026
  • Some people may incorporate arm movements, such as shoulder circles and side bend stretches, while walking.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of bend
Noun
  • The film features a feisty turn from Penélope Cruz as a cabaret dancer and a cameo from Glenn Close as a modern-day hispanist, accompanying Spanish stars Miguel Bernardeau, Guitarricadelafuente, Milo Quifes and Carlos Gutiérrez in lead roles.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Pantone said the latest additions bring its library to nearly 9,000 colors and span every color family, reflecting a broader turn toward maximalism and emotional expression.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of turn

Browse Nearby Words

arbors
arc
arcade
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Cite this Entry

“Arc.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arc. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on arc

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arc

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