curl 1 of 2

noun

Definition of curlnext
as in wave
a length of hair that forms a loop or series of loops let her hair grow in its natural curls

Synonyms & Similar Words

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curl

2 of 2

verb

ˈkər(-ə)l How to pronounce curl (audio)
as in to coil
to follow a circular or spiral course an inviting path for joggers curls around the reservoir

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 curl
Noun
The book always came to mind when taking a walk out in the forest and seeing the hypnotic curl of a fern or a bird alighting on a branch inches away from me. — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026 Rather than every curl being coaxed into perfect uniformity, her natural texture is allowed to take up space—frizz, movement, and all. — Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
Add the shrimp and cook on one side until just starting to curl, 1-2 minutes. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Tara Rudd drove toward Angel City’s back line and threaded a pass through to Rodman, who raced downfield and curled a shot just over goalkeeper Angelina Anderson. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curl
  1. wave
  2. coil
  3. lock
  4. wind
  5. ringlet
  6. curve
  7. frizz
  8. swirl
Noun
  • Southern California is in the middle of a Super El Niño heat and humidity wave.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • That scoreboard is now misleading, because the same AI wave letting those companies shed jobs is handing thousands of capable people the time and the reason to build something of their own.
    — Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of wave
Verb
  • This species spends most of its time coiled around tree branches more than 30 meters (100 feet) high, descending during the night to prey on birds, small mammals, frogs, and other reptiles on the forest floor.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As management continues to prove themselves, multiples are coiled to go higher.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 30 July 2026
Definition of coil
Noun
  • Many had seen Joveljic as a lock up front for Sporting, even after the club’s ongoing reconstruction.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The rest of the starting spots could still be up for grabs outside of Cox, who is the other lock.
    — CJ Moore, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of lock
Verb
  • For Fernández, now Miss Montana, the road to success has been winding.
    — Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Three Fall Must-Dos Cruise one of the most underrated fall drives in the US—the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, encompassing winding Needles Highway in Custer State Park and Iron Mountain Road, famous for its 300-plus hairpin turns.
    — Taryn Shorr-Mckee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of wind
Noun
  • As families poured into a converted West Side warehouse Saturday afternoon, Jacob Williams watched small ringlets of his hair tumble to the floor.
    — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Layer thick, curly hair to enhance natural volume and add definition to your ringlets.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 July 2026
Definition of ringlet
Verb
  • But plenty of long-range computer models continue to show a future for the system, most as a tropical storm headed west toward the Caribbean, although plenty also show a potential track that curves north of Puerto Rico.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Several other curved, slender bones were soon found nearby, according to pictures shared with the station.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of curve
Noun
  • The lightweight formula pairs olive, argan, jojoba, sunflower, and safflower oils with smoothing silicones to calm frizz and boost shine.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Shake it out, separate some of the curls and let a little frizz happen.
    — Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of frizz
Verb
  • Much has changed on the ground in Chicago since Ahmed left town for Dubai as investigations swirled around him.
    — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Starting Friday, the strong wind shear that’s been swirling in the Atlantic all season and keeping most storms at bay is expected to pick up again, wearing away at Dolly.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of swirl

Phrases Containing curl

Browse Nearby Words

curiousness
curl
curled
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Cite this Entry

“Curl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curl. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on curl

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about curl

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