CURLYCUE Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

curlicue 1 of 2

noun

variants also curlycue

Definition of curlicue

as in coil

Related Words

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curlicue

2 of 2

verb

as in to loop

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

straighten

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

Noun

Tokamaks rely partly on electric currents flowing through the plasma to help keep it confined, while stellarators use complex arrangements of external magnetic coils to create a three-dimensional magnetic field.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
Unlike quiches, frittatas are crustless, but this version doesn’t skimp on satisfying carbs, thanks to coils of spaghetti that become crisp and caramelized on the edges and soft and fluffy in the eggy center.

— Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of coil

Noun

On October 24, 2006, Taylor Swift was released—the debut album by a 16-year-old with blonde curls, cowboy boots, and a special talent for turning heartbreak into hits.

— Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
Her hair was styled by John Novotny with a side part and long, cascading soft curls.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of curl

Verb

Because their immune systems are still developing, influenza can hit them hard and fast and can quickly spiral into serious complications including pneumonia, extreme dehydration, brain inflammation or death.

— Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2026
After Felix abandons Victoria at the altar, their families and friends are left to navigate an extravagant reception that quickly spirals out of control.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of spiral

Noun

Roasted tomatillos and a mix of green chiles give the Mexican stew its tang and heat; a final swirl of cilantro purée adds fresh flavor and turns the whole pot brilliantly green.

— Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Best All-Around Wine Glasses The generously sized bowls of these LSA International wine glasses leave plenty of room for a proper pour (and an enthusiastic swirl without worrying about spilling over the rim).

— Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of swirl

Verb

Here, at the lonely eastern edge of Polynesia, the empty horizon seems to curve with the Earth itself.

— Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
No-brainer options included handsome denims with a curving leg and neo-suiting playing on mixing rather than matching sets.

— Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of curve

Noun

But woodpeckers don’t live in Hawaii, where biologists are investigating a curious bird that takes up a similar ecological niche—with its own unique twist.

— Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 5 Nov. 2026
Set against the breathtaking landscape of the Pacific Northwest, the film combines high-stakes survival, unexpected twists, and genuine emotional depth.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of twist

Verb

Chase Sui Wonders is being circled to join filmmaker David Mikalson’s Goblin for A24, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

— Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026
Williams stumbled backward and circled both arms backward as Avdija kicked the ball out to Lillard for a three-pointer.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of circle

Browse Nearby Words

curled up

curlicue

curlicued

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Curlicue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curlicue. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of curlicue

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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