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
Whisper fringe also gives curly hair a breezy, bohemian vibe when cut to match your curl pattern, adds the stylist. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026 The pineapple updo, like Sarah Jessica Parker Although loose hairstyles seemed to reign supreme, style icons like Sarah Jessica Parker proved that even hair full of tousled curls could be worn in an updo without losing its appeal. — María Diez, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
The shiny, inky black strands were parted in the middle and curled under at the ends to really show off the layers, with the front portion perfectly cupping her jawline to frame her face. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Sep. 2026 The rising 50-day has acted as support on every meaningful pullback since June, and the 200-day at $228 is beginning to curl upward after a long flat stretch. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 21 Sep. 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
  • Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue through Thursday night, with heavy rainfall in waves that could lead to flooding along area rivers, creeks and streams, the National Weather Service said.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The science is real but narrower than the marketing suggests, and the gap between the two is about to shape the next wave of skincare launches.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of wave
Verb
  • Its body will coil around the museum’s gallery, lobby and atrium, and poke through the walls.
    — Siran Babayan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This tendril-like bot can coil around other structures like a vine.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of coil
Noun
  • As Li’s Hardy locks eyes with Cage’s Reilly, the editing shifts from noir to music video and everything else fades.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Thanks to the twist-and-lock plate system, each dumbbell provides four weight options from 2–5 pounds.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of lock
Verb
  • What to do nearby My walk to Compo Beach along the golf course’s winding paths and then through a picturesque neighborhood of shiplap homes took just under 30 minutes at a brisk pace.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Its winding path — and its goose motif — serve as the inspiration for Fortunae, Ginori 1735’s latest collection of collectible porcelain and home decor.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 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
  • That’s apt because the technological stroke that’s allowed Jamestown to revive One Times Square’s interiors is the evolution of digital screens that can slink along curving walls and respond to touch.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s central plaza, which spreads out beneath the building’s curved, hovering form, was always meant to be a generous civic space.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of curve
Noun
  • Curling mousse will define your curls while adding volume and controlling frizz.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Dedicated heat protectants pull double duty to create a lightweight barrier against hot tools while smoothing the cuticle, taming frizz, and helping a blowout hold its shape.
    — Polly Blitzer, Glamour, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of frizz
Verb
  • Now, questions are swirling around the agreement, including who will pay for the benefits and when residents would receive them.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Burnham’s comments come as questions about the incident – which triggered a major security response in the area and sparked international alarm – continue to swirl on both sides of the Atlantic.
    — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on curl

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about curl

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