arch 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of archnext
1
as in main
coming before all others in importance since the start of her acting career her parents have steadfastly remained her arch supporters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness was so arch as to ask him outright if he was wearing a toupee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness the arch look on the girl's face betrayed her as the one who had tricked the babysitter into believing that the house was haunted

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

arch

2 of 3

noun

ˈärch How to pronounce arch (audio)
as in curvature
something that curves or is curved the limestone arch is a natural formation that is the product of many years of erosion

Synonyms & Similar Words

arch

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to bend
to cause to turn away from a straight line the cat arched her back whenever she was stroked

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course the path gradually arches off into the woods

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 arch
Adjective
The Packers then blew a 21-3 halftime lead in the Wild Card round against Chicago, gave up 25 fourth quarter points and eventually suffered a shocking 31-27 loss to the arch-rival Bears. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 This loafer comes in five colors, has an Ortholite insole, and features arch support. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Noun
The three inline frame arches, meanwhile, are reminiscent of a tunnel tent. — New Atlas, 9 July 2026 Lastly, with the ball at the arch of the foot, curl your toes over the top of the ball to feel a stretch through the foot. — Mallory Creveling, Health, 9 July 2026
Verb
The ceiling is arched and lined with skylights to allow for light in walkway. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026 The branches arch as the plant ages. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for arch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arch
  1. main
  2. wise
  3. mischievous
  4. curvature
  5. bend
  6. curve
  7. primary
  8. fresh
Adjective
  • Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • Specifically, many should be moving to a more proactive, as opposed to reactive, approach, and understanding that diversification of contacts may be wise in a more volatile environment.
    — Radu Magdin, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Just being around here longer helps body-wise, mentally,, physically, everything.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2026
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • Advertisement Best of all is Deutch’s Gail, whose sunbeam demeanor barely conceals her flirty, mischievous side.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026
  • The actress, 64, made her mark on the iconic ‘70s show as Nellie Oleson, Laura Ingalls’ mischievous classmate.
    — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Definition of mischievous
Noun
  • The large 55-inch display gives you plenty of screen real estate, and the 1000R curvature wraps around your eyes for unparalleled immersion.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026
  • These New Balance sneakers have thick, firm outsoles with upward curvatures.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of curvature
Verb
  • But the obvious choice here is Cape Verde’s Sidny Lopes Cabral in the round of 32, bending a shot from the left side into the upper-right corner to tie mighty Argentina 2-2 in extra time.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • MetroLoft added roughly 18,000 square feet to 15 upper floors, and the additional load caused two columns to bend, Berman said.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Definition of bend
Verb
  • Long before curved, sculptural homes became a fixture of luxury real estate, French architect Claude Misbach was experimenting with the idea on the Mediterranean coast.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 9 July 2026
  • The bigger the mass and the closer to that mass the light passes, the more its path is curved.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of curve
Adjective
  • The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the primary and extension drive use the standard 1/4-inch hex specification, which, according to the creators, will cover over 95% of random everyday tasks – from bicycle maintenance to small home repairs and furniture assembly.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • The sauce painted over the surface is thick like puree, with a vibrant, all encompassing, fresh tomato flavor.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The Biscoff cookie crust and fresh melon filling in this pie require absolutely no baking or cooking.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
Definition of fresh

Browse Nearby Words

arced
arch
archaic
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Cite this Entry

“Arch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arch. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on arch

Nglish: Translation of arch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arch

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