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
  • Around 250,000 people are expected to attend the seven-turn race, which will loop around the east end of the National Mall and run down Pennsylvania and Independence Avenues.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
  • To solve, loop one end of the string around the peg on the parabola with an x-coordinate of –3 (y = 9) and attach the other end of the string to a peg with an x-coordinate of 4 (y = 16).
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of loop
Noun
  • Made for pretty much every texture, the airy foam gives fine-to-medium hair body without weighing it down, while helping define and smooth thicker waves and curls without sacrificing movement.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Candlelit copper builds it right into your hair, with soft, glowy highlights that add richness and warmth (especially on curls like Megan Thee Stallion’s).
    — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of curl
Verb
  • What began as a flirtatious game of truth or dare initiated by an unknown account quickly spiraled into extortion.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also neighboring Lion's Head, which has a spiraling trail that leads straight to the top.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of spiral
Noun
  • 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
  • In public debates, arguments for voting yes swirl around the potential stability of the euro and the chance to bring down inflation, now at more than 5%, and interest rates, which are at 8%.
    — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of swirl
Verb
  • Similarly, experiments that Sanchez-Lavega and his colleagues performed with computer simulations of currents in shallow water suggest the decagon formed because of a meandering wave trapped by a curving atmospheric jet.
    — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Its sides pinch inward near the ground before curving, mushroom-like, outward, making its upper body appear to float.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of curve
Noun
  • And not even a strong Campbell performance and killer kills could make up for a sad use of AI and the least effective finale twist reveal to date.
    — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Usually, that would mean that Naheim, Joseph, and Bryan would all be going home — but the judges decide, in another twist, to bring a fourth designer to the finale.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of twist
Verb
  • Given that, markets are in guessing mode on which option the Fed will circle in later this month.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Lavin points to a franchise staple as the moment worth circling.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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