curve 1 of 2

noun

Definition of curvenext
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

1
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
2
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
The $237 million project, which started in 2025, will replace 15 bridges, rehabilitate seven bridges, reconstruct the low-speed Benton and Jackson curves and add a fourth eastbound I-70 thru lane. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026 Like many Shinkansen structures, it was designed for exceptional ride quality, using continuous elevated construction to minimize the need for curves, level crossings, and ground settlement. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
Verb
The bigger the mass and the closer to that mass the light passes, the more its path is curved. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 July 2026 The world is still not reducing fossil fuel use, industrial emissions, methane, and flaring quickly enough to bend the global emissions curve downward. — Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for curve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curve
  1. curvature
  2. arc
  3. bend
  4. angle
  5. round
  6. arch
  7. turn
  8. trend
Noun
  • The famed physicist’s revolutionary general theory of relativity debuted in 1915, positing that gravity can be understood as objects falling along the curvature of spacetime.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 8 July 2026
  • The large 55-inch display gives you plenty of screen real estate, and the 1000R curvature wraps around your eyes for unparalleled immersion.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026
Definition of curvature
Verb
  • In fact, the iconic band of hazy light known as the galactic center should routinely be visible for a few more months across the United States – and the rest of the northern hemisphere – arcing across the night sky.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The glowing ribbon of the Milky Way tumbles directly through this cosmic triangle before arcing towards the southern horizon, though its diffuse light will be hidden behind a veil of moonlight on the night of the full moon.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of arc
Verb
  • Oceania Allura berths at Moll Adossat, 10 minutes from La Rambla, but the day here bends away from the boulevard.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • The goal is your comfort rather than bending yourself to the wants of strangers.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
Definition of bend
Noun
  • As the sun moves across the sky, the dual awnings help maintain shade from different angles.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 July 2026
  • Dual-axis tracking Solar panels produce the most power when sunlight hits them directly at a 90-degree angle.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
Definition of angle
Verb
  • Canada, a little unlucky to lose so heavily, has made history this summer after making the knockout rounds for the first time and will have undoubtedly spread joy and inspired a new generation in the country.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • The Lakers, after agreeing to trade center Deandre Ayton to Washington for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks on Friday, could look for a backup center and wing defender to round out their roster, which stands at 13.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of round
Verb
  • As the piano arches into a sparkling glissando, a harp follows suit, carving out space for a light, airy synthesizer drone to materialize.
    — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026
  • The ceiling is arched and lined with skylights to allow for light in walkway.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
Definition of arch
Noun
  • But somewhere between talking about recipes and the future of food, the conversation took an unexpected turn.
    — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
  • Refineries, which had already made their July plans when the MOU was signed, can’t ramp up or down their capacity with a turn of a dial.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Definition of turn
Verb
  • Southeast Asian audiences showed strong demand for premium Chinese dramas and localized content, while in Japan and South Korea, microdramas now make up half of the ten top-trending titles.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 July 2026
  • Looking ahead to the weekend, temperatures are expected to trend downward a bit, settling back into the lower to mid-90s Saturday before dropping into the 80s Sunday.
    — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 13 July 2026
Definition of trend

Browse Nearby Words

curvatures
curve
curved
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Cite this Entry

“Curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curve. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on curve

Nglish: Translation of curve for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about curve

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