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

During the recent session, Soto taught people how to make coils for teardrop designs along with other simple shapes.

— Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Because the coating is already on the coil, manufacturers may be able to reduce reliance on external lubrication and additional e-coating processes.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 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

Even Love Story’s Kelly got distracted by his own reflection, pausing in front of one mirror to zhuzh his curls before moving on to the next dazzling display.

— Simone Cook, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2026
As the seeds mature, the flower cluster curls inward and eventually resembles a bird’s nest.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 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

But a swirl of chaos, sweat, and tears goes into producing a runway collection, and even the most sanguine of designers can crack under the pressure.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
Heat it through on the stove and dinner is mostly handled, though a swirl of cream or a slice of crusty bread rounds it out.

— Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of swirl

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

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 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of curlicue

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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