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curlicue 1 of 2

noun

variants also curlycue
Definition of curlicuenext
as in coil

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curlicue

2 of 2

verb

as in to loop

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Dissimilar Words

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 curlicue
Noun
The walls are decked out with perceptive studies of the Mustang landscape by the American painter Robert Powell, a frequent visitor to the region, and by drapes and banners referencing the colorful cloud curlicues of Thangka scrolls. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026 So is an untitled stack of rugged bricks with a chunk of concrete suspended from a metal curlicue. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
Outside, winding paths through gardens and woods lead to site-specific installations, like Eleven Minute Line, a land-art piece by Maya Lin that curlicues through a field of cows. — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2023 See All Example Sentences for curlicue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curlicue
  1. coil
  2. loop
  3. curl
  4. spiral
  5. swirl
  6. curve
  7. twist
  8. circle
Noun
  • Once inside the brain, the nanoparticles would be controlled—to stimulate neurons in specific areas of the brain or to read neuron activity—through a specialized cap or headset containing magnetic coils.
    — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
  • If the threat persists, the snake may bite its opponent, coil around it, and emit a foul-smelling secretion from its anal glands.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of coil
Verb
  • The open center gives hand towels or bath sheets somewhere to loop through, rather than inevitably slipping onto the floor, and the handmade stoneware can hold up to 10 pounds.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026
  • While hunting for his missing wife, Marissa, Hale is dragged through an escalating nightmare of environments that loop, warp and rebuild themselves from his own memories and trauma.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of loop
Noun
  • For even bouncier curl definition, our editors love pairing the shampoo with the Curl Charisma Rice Amino & Shea Curl Defining Conditioner.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Most of his targets were toward the numbers, hitting Donovan Olugbode and Brett Norfleet on curls and out routes near the sideline.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of curl
Verb
  • The government's counter-insurgency spiraled into sectarian violence.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The Fed on Wednesday raised interest rates for the first time since July 2023 and indicated another hike could follow, as part of its effort aimed at combating inflation that has been stoked by spiraling oil prices, among other factors.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of spiral
Noun
  • Cookie Butter – Cookie butter flavor with a cookie butter swirl around the cup, Soft Top and a layer of cookie butter drizzle.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Desserts are chocolate pudding and Goldee’s banana pudding – or a swirl of the two.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of swirl
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
  • Bible readers may wonder how this fit with Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac at God’s command, and philosophers have occasionally tried to reconcile the two stories with textual twists.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Jezebel Sauce is a Southern condiment that’s characterized by its unexpected twist of sweet and spicy.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of twist
Verb
  • Ohtani returned to the lineup Monday and felt something in his arm after a swing, circling his right arm afterward.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Kristin Hannah fans have another date to circle on their 2027 calendars.
    — Jennifer McClellan, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of circle

Browse Nearby Words

curled up
curlicue
curlicued
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curlicue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curlicue. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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