curse 1 of 2

Definition of cursenext

curse

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to imprecate
to ask a divine power to send harm or evil upon I curse the guy who had the idea of having annoying salespeople call up innocent people to sell them things they don't want

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to swear
to use offensive or indecent language you'll have to put a quarter in the jar every time you curse

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in to blame
to use profane or obscene language at or about cursed him for showing up late, when he knew how important it was to be on time

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 curse
Noun
At least King Midas had the decency to regret his curse. Joe Wilkins Published Feb 5, Futurism, 5 Feb. 2026 In what ways was AI a blessing or a curse in 2025? Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
Despite the long history of elite WTA players mastering the art of the moonball, Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber chief among them, sending tennis balls into the atmosphere still draws out the sport’s eternal, often cursed relationship between style and ethics. James Hansen, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026 O'Neal told the story Tuesday of how Gary Payton — a guard on that Miami team — cursed him out after Game 2, saying Dwyane Wade needed the ball more if the Heat were going to win the series. CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curse
Noun
  • The immigration crackdown and shootings drew widespread condemnation and calls for federal authorities to leave.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Nobody would have been surprised to hear Bad Bunny use one of the year’s biggest stages to levy direct condemnation of the administration’s dehumanizing bigotry.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Under the watchful eye of sheriffs deputies who threatened to ticket anyone caught standing in the road, along with a small number of National Guard members, the protesters took turns screaming swears and warming up in nearby parked cars.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 28 Jan. 2026
  • If accumulation is the issue, Giaquinto swears by the five-second and five-year rules.
    Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • At Ereks-Blue Matters, a circular garment manufacturer in Istanbul that counts Fiorucci and Wrangler among clients, the new reporting requirements have been a boon and a bane.
    Tara Donaldson, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Then, as if there was any doubt where this was headed, the Heat made sure there would not be another third-period collapse, which largely has been the bane of this uneven season.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In recent years, neighborhoods ranging from Hancock Park and Lincoln Heights to Mar Vista and Pico Union have been plagued by copper wire theft that darkens the streets.
    Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Christie has been one of the most consistent Mavericks in a season plagued by inconsistency.
    Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • There will be lawyers and billable hours, and blame tossed around.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Alongside Palasciano, speakers assailed the influx of Indian Americans, from accusing them of snatching the American Dream to criticizing their driving skills and even blaming them for traffic.
    Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Kelly is suing the Pentagon to challenge its censure of him and its effort to reduce his rank because of his participation in the video.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Across Europe, officials have had to resign or face censure after the Epstein files revealed relationships that were more extensive than previously disclosed.
    Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Brittany is joined by Emily Kwong, co-host of NPR’s science podcast Short Wave, to explore why putting your brain through learning a new language offers surprising benefits and opportunities for connection.
    Brittany Luse, NPR, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Neither Wicks, nor any other legislator, has released legislative language yet aimed at supporting the industry.
    CalMatters, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Padres’ latest addition to the starting rotation competition is an old nemesis who has fallen on hard times.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Some American viewers were pulled into it by a boring—and slightly embarrassing—poster of Harrison Ford, smirking in a suit, while a loyal Melanie Griffith clings to his shoulder and Sigourney Weaver, as befits her role of nemesis, gives a wicked smile.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curse. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on curse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!