CURVE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

curve 1 of 2

noun

Definition of curve

as in curvature

something that curves or is curved the bold curve of the racing yacht's hull

Synonyms & Similar Words

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curve

2 of 2

verb

as in to arc

to turn away from a straight line or course after following a straight path most of the way down the mountain, the ski trail abruptly curves to the right

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

straighten

as in to bend

to cause to turn away from a straight line curved the wood to make a bow

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 curve

Noun

These changes aren't earth-shattering, but the browser's curves and soft colors nonetheless bring it more in line with current design trends. — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026 Today, there are two main ways to make wood curve, but both have significant drawbacks. — New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026

Verb

The unintended effect of low-density construction, restrictive zoning, and curving roads is a staggering increase in the distance between destinations. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 Ukiah to Boonville Head southwest on Highway 253, a two-lane road that curves through a dense forest. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curve

Noun

Mike recalled that the effects of the disease were noticeable around the time of his 2011 wedding to Zara, and said his father’s physical decline had included curvature of the spine and subsequent medical problems.

— Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026
An ant living deep inside the snow globe can’t easily detect any curvature, and therefore can’t tell the difference between anti-de Sitter and de Sitter space.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of curvature

Verb

Before his arcing shot had even nestled in the net, teammates’ arms were aloft and Sullivan was wheeling away in celebration.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
One more signal and the sides stretch outward and arc up around the protesters, then contract inward to drive them toward contact with the arrest team.

— Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of arc

Verb

Step around, and potentially inside, awe-inspiring vehicles from the film, or come face-to-face with the Bene Gesserit, a group of priestesses who possess, among other things, the ability to bend the will of others.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
For the flexibility assessment, the app guides you through various movements, such as raising your arms and bending your legs.

— Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of bend

Noun

Rogers controlled Bellingham’s pass with his heel and slotted in from an angle.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
When the pulses met at an angle of 45 degrees, their electric fields combined in a way that made the resulting light field oscillate in all three spatial directions.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of angle

Verb

Terracotta tiles are at his feet; behind him is a gnarled pine tree, arching toward the sea.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
Its initial trajectory after stage separation will put the spacecraft on the same course as previous flights, arching toward a reentry and splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of arch

Noun

The physical and perceptual, or phenomenological, experience of Shift is achieved according to a sequence of actual turns.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
That story began in the 1980s, when Film Fest Ghent adopted screen music as its calling card, a focus that led to the World Soundtrack Academy and Awards at the turn of the millennium.

— Ben Croll, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of turn

Verb

The Cook Political Report announced last week that more competitive races appear to be trending toward Democrats.

— Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026
These are two teams trending in the opposite direction, but all the Horned Frogs need is one victory to change the outlook of the season.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of trend

Browse Nearby Words

curvatures

curve

curved

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curve. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of curve

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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