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
Gramby asks her little girl, who has dark curls and a big smile. — Kristin Wright, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026 Today, glass hair can enhance any texture, from waves to curls, because the goal isn’t to alter the hair’s shape, but rather to enhance its health and natural shine. — Selvaggia Germani, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
Iván Moreno played him in behind Bernardo Rhein, who had pushed too far forward, and Arcila curled his shot past Crépeau. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 Six minutes into the second half, an unmarked Rafael Llorente launched a curling shot from outside the box that landed in the top right corner to close the gap to 4-2. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 6 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
  • Behind the scenes, White House officials have spent months waving Kennedy off his vaccine agenda amid a historic wave of measles infections.
    — Amanda Seitz, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Sierra’s decision created waves as Rubenstein had supported an audit of the pension fund and its expenses.
    — Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 16 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
  • The concept rides on 22-inch center-lock wheels, a first for Acura, as well as high-performance carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Missing documentation can push back your closing date or cost you your rate lock.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of lock
Verb
  • But there were no bears to be found right then on the Bayou, so after a few days camp was moved to Bear Lake, a long, winding body of water once part of a river but now stillwater.
    — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
  • While the innovation doesn’t prevent all cracking, the DNGEs' particulate formation forces cracks to wind through soft regions instead of traveling in straight lines.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of wind
Noun
  • Layer thick, curly hair to enhance natural volume and add definition to your ringlets.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 July 2026
  • Peeking out from under her long ringlets, Kidman smiled at the camera while showing off a plunging black silk top with a sweetheart neckline and a white rib accent on her bodice.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 20 June 2026
Definition of ringlet
Verb
  • The boats are flanked by cascading waterfalls, and mountains that appear to curve in on themselves.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Its bright red star Antares marks the heart of the scorpion, with a curving tail extending downward toward the horizon.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of curve
Noun
  • The formula contains hyaluronic acid and works to hydrate the hair and scalp, and reduce frizz.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The hair dryer is also compatible with all Supersonic™ and Supersonic Nural™ attachments, from a diffuser for curls to a flyaway attachment to smooth frizz without losing volume.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of frizz
Verb
  • In the days after Ocasio-Cortez began documenting her egg-freezing, rumors swirled around her relationship status.
    — Anna Russell, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Collectible, colorful, and wonderfully over the top, their swirling pattern brings personality to any pour.
    — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 14 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 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on curl

Nglish: Translation of curl for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about curl

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