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
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Recent Examples of curl
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026
His upper lip curls, exposing two buck teeth pressing into the bottom lip.
—Christopher Anderson, Vanity Fair, 27 Feb. 2026
Aarón Torres, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
This is because tendons that normally curl the toes downward (such as when cats knead your lap) pull on the amputation stumps so that the stumps rub on the ground, and no mechanism remains to oppose that action.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for curl
Noun
Then brush through the hair in roughly three-inch sections, following the direction of the curl—my favorite brush is Crown Affair’s dual bristle brush.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026
His upper lip curls, exposing two buck teeth pressing into the bottom lip.
—Christopher Anderson, Vanity Fair, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
While an armadillo may think flipping onto its back and curling into a ball protects it from predators, the move actually leaves it more vulnerable, said Tori Larned, a spokeswoman for Builders Movement.
—Aarón Torres, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
This is because tendons that normally curl the toes downward (such as when cats knead your lap) pull on the amputation stumps so that the stumps rub on the ground, and no mechanism remains to oppose that action.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for curl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curl
Noun
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This low-power millimeter-wave radar sensor gives self-driving cars a clearer, more accurate view of traffic by feeding them essential data from the surrounding road.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Russell let the rest of Taylor-Joy's long hair fall in loose, barely there waves, with most of the curl concentrated just at the ends for movement and swish factor.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The form recalls the work’s titular gastropod—massive, coiled, immobilized by its own weight.—
Anel Rakhimzhanova,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2026
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Sula’s head rested on her arm, an undone braid coiled around her wrist.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The loss locks in the longest losing streak at USC in over a decade, as well as the longest losing streak of Musselman’s tenure as a college coach.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Mayer’s last three games came at home as part of the same unit as Trevor Story, Caleb Durbin and Willson Contreras, all of whom are locks to start.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Nearby, Hollywood Bus Tours winds through Los Angeles’ famous movie lots and upscale neighborhoods, a must-do for many visitors.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
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Other details on the interiors are scarce (for now), but Lazzara says the focus onboard is not about extravagance, but design continuity throughout each and every space on the new vessel—and having enough space to truly wind, too.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Princess of Wales, who was accompanied by her husband Prince William, embraced retro ringlets à la Sarah Jessica Parker or Julia Roberts.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
23 Feb. 2026
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Chopped with face-framing curtain bangs and curled into small (almost Shirley Temple-sized) ringlets, the singer’s hair is clearly a reference to her look from the song’s energetic music video.—
Margaux Anbouba,
Vogue,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The gardens, landscaped in both French and English styles, are well kept-after and lush; the rooms feature curved high ceilings and bold washes of paint; the ornate 19th-century furniture is original to the chateau.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2026
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Near the Cabrillo Beach Bath House, the path will curve east.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Keratin is a protein that can not only repair hair structure but also moisturize and smooth the cuticle, reducing frizz.—
Eden Stuart,
Glamour,
5 Mar. 2026
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Pea peptides and jackfruit polysaccharides join the mix to boost hydration and encourage airy lift, minus the frizz.—
Michelle Rostamian,
Allure,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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With the imminent closure of the Kennedy Center, speculation has swirled around the NSO’s future, especially in light of the Washington National Opera’s decision in January to cut ties with the storied venue, which has been its home since 1971.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Initially, speculation swirled online that the blast at the school could have been caused by misfiring Iranian air defenses, as the IRGC tried to repel incoming air strikes.—
Gianluca Mezzofiore,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Curl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curl. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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