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arching

verb

present participle of arch
1
as in bending
to cause to turn away from a straight line the cat arched her back whenever she was stroked

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in curving
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 arching Terracotta tiles are at his feet; behind him is a gnarled pine tree, arching toward the sea. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026 Its initial trajectory after stage separation will put the spacecraft on the same course as previous flights, arching toward a reentry and splashdown in the Indian Ocean. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026 Bridal wreath spirea develops a dense, arching shape that provides an ideal home for your yard’s pollinators and birds. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 10 Sep. 2026 Video captured from the drone’s perspective and released on Facebook, shows the frustrated bobcat standing by a staircase, growling and arching its back at the hovering machine. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026 In the opposite direction, open the elbows wide, arching the back and lifting the chin to the sky. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Keeping your thighs aligned, bend one knee and bring your heel toward your buttocks without arching your back. — Rikkilynn Shields Hannigan, HEALTH, 13 Aug. 2026 The combination of a moonless sky and the Milky Way arching overhead could make this the standout night for skywatching all year. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The name comes from the footlong, fluffy white flower clusters at the ends of arching stems. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arching
  1. bending
  2. curving
  3. hooking
  4. bowing
Verb
  • The narrator of this form-bending novel is a man who shares the author’s name and profession, and who, at the story’s outset, is the victim of a hit-and-run.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Then, on Chambliss’ third drive of the second half, Woods came bending around the right edge with a whack and recover.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of bending
Verb
  • The unintended effect of low-density construction, restrictive zoning, and curving roads is a staggering increase in the distance between destinations.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Eichler’s micro-neighborhood, spread over a high ridge near the geographic center of the city and overlooking Glen Canyon Park, is mostly composed of compact lots along curving streets.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of curving
Verb
  • Ecobee says that just hooking this unit up can deliver up to 26% per year reductions on heating and cooling costs, which will pay for itself quickly.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • First, don’t rely on the industry to protect youth when its business model depends on hooking new customers and keeping them using their product.
    — Susan Morrisey, STAT, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of hooking
Verb
  • The film continues a strong bond between two-time Oscar winner Pitt and Paramount, with their survival thriller Heart of the Beast bowing next weekend.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Lance Oppenheim’s Primetime, starring Robert Pattinson, is set to open the Beyond Fest genre festival in Los Angeles after bowing in Venice.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of bowing

Browse Nearby Words

archfoes
arching
architect
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Cite this Entry

“Arching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arching. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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