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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

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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
Across the broader market, shoppers are gravitating toward products that address hair growth, scalp health, hair density, curl care, repair and strengthening solutions. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026 Wallpaper can also bubble, curl, or peel when water dissolves the glue. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
Women figured prominently in many of Mansour’s works, such as the 1984 Flight to Egypt, depicting a mother curled over her sleeping baby. — News Desk, Artforum, 28 Aug. 2026 For our recipe, the Test Kitchen poached just-cooked oysters in milk until their edges began to curl. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 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
  • The magnetic waves then interact with excitons inside the semiconductor.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Mobilization speculation Some external observers have said Russian authorities appear to have been preparing the ground for a fresh wave of military mobilization after the State Duma election, a prospect that is deeply unpopular within Russia.
    — Sam Meredith,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of wave
Verb
  • Paragloborotalia siakensis changed from mixed to left-handed coiling 15 million years ago.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026
  • An alarmed individual may coil its body and open its mouth in an attempt to appear more intimidating.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of coil
Noun
  • There is also a security lock to prevent the blade from deploying accidentally.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The American Sniper star styled her signature golden blonde locks in an elegant updo with face-framing tendrils.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of lock
Verb
  • The couple built a seamless live-work compound encompassing a modern home, art studio, and sculpture fabrication barn, connected by flagstone pathways winding through pinyon, juniper, and cedar trees.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The defunct Amtrak line, which ran more than 2,600 miles between Seattle and Chicago, ferried passengers to stops in Boise, Pocatello and Salt Lake City, winding along tracks that still carve through Idaho’s Snake River Plain today.
    — Rose Evans September 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of wind
Noun
  • As families poured into a converted West Side warehouse Saturday afternoon, Jacob Williams watched small ringlets of his hair tumble to the floor.
    — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Layer thick, curly hair to enhance natural volume and add definition to your ringlets.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 July 2026
Definition of ringlet
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
  • 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
  • The lightweight formula pairs olive, argan, jojoba, sunflower, and safflower oils with smoothing silicones to calm frizz and boost shine.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of frizz
Verb
  • In fact, the exoplanet (or, planet outside of our solar system) was located 450 light-years away from Earth, still resting in the swirling gas and dust where it was born.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Miniature Bellinis, freshly frothed from large pitchers, swirled about on silver trays, happily scooped up by passersby.
    — Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 16 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 18 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on curl

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about curl

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