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
Steam rises in slow curls from a shaping stand while local kids climb onto high-top chairs and a Coors Light is passed between old friends across the counter. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026 Brittany Mahomes showed off a head full of romantic wavy curls created by Nashville stylist Brooke Barloe, who posted a photo on her Instagram. — Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Verb
With her ends flipped and her top layers curled and hairsprayed in place, the aesthetic harked back to the poodle bob trend popularized in the 1940s. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 June 2026 Another great attempt by Cabral, another curling effort on a free kick, forced a remarkable save from Martínez to keep holding on to the one-goal lead. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 3 July 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
  • The first wave of Social Security payments for July is scheduled to be distributed this week.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • SoCal’s housing market growth SpaceX’s record-shattering IPO has unleashed a wave of high-end home shoppers poised to reshape Southern California’s already tight coastal housing markets.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of wave
Verb
  • Probably the most stylish climber in the professional peloton, flowing and coiled, Del Toro stunned in last year’s Giro.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • Joe Kramm | Courtesy of Francis Interiors The gold background is a spread of bold graphic lines, undulating shapes and coiling circular motifs, referencing the work of French artist, sculptor and designer Jean Dunand (1877–1942).
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of coil
Noun
  • Every purchase also includes a strap, lock, air pump, and rearview mirrors, giving riders a complete package that's ready for the road from day one.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
  • Tatum, George and Derrick White are locks, Robinson will battle with Queta for the starting center gig, while the fifth spot might come down to Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of lock
Verb
  • Through the risk of lightning, sticky humidity and a winding line filled with thousands of chanting fans, Argentine fans flooded Bayfront Park with a sea of blue jerseys.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • One feels exposed, out in the elements, seeking shade from shapes that appear like altars or overlooking winding paths that veer high and low.
    — Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Definition of wind
Noun
  • 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
  • There's no better way to enhance the volume and bounce than what those ringlets can rile up.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Definition of ringlet
Verb
  • His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
  • In the final minute of stoppage time to end the first half, Morocco's Achraf Hakimi curved his free kick right in front of the goal, seemingly just one perfect touch away from a goal.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Definition of curve
Noun
  • Greene also says using braiding hair or extensions that match your natural texture can help camouflage inevitable frizz.
    — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 18 June 2026
  • Ionic technology helps regulate heat and flatten thick hair types while eliminating frizz, and the ceramic plates deliver a shiny, snag-free finish that's especially useful for thick hair prone to tangles.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 18 June 2026
Definition of frizz
Verb
  • Rumors of their relationship continued to swirl after they were photographed leaving Arrowhead Stadium together after the game.
    — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • As internet rumors swirled that the couple would marry that day in Rhode Island, Swift and Kelce spent the evening in New York City instead.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 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 7 Jul. 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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