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 shade is still the star, but the curls give it a softer, more old-school glamour. — Marci Robin, Allure, 20 Oct. 2026 For hair, expect that to play out through soft curls and untamed waves. — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin, meanwhile, became the first American team to win a medal in Olympic mixed doubles curling, taking silver. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026 Both are curled in chairs in an otherwise empty room in an upscale Hyde Park Corner hotel, modestly dressed in jeans, sneakers and casual tops. — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 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 Ukrainian capital endured a noisy night as 21 ballistic missiles came in three waves, Zelenskyy said, smashing apartment buildings, energy facilities, a railway station and the Kyiv subway system, shopping malls and businesses.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • While the market is riding a wave of success, John doesn’t gloss over the grim outlook of the fishing and seafood industry as a whole.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of wave
Verb
  • The researchers found a population deep in a Japanese mountain valley where left- and right-coiling snails can mate and exchange genes.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Even after this week's Houthi attack on a Saudi Aramco facility, WTI is coiled in a tight triangle between falling resistance in the low 100s and rising support near 90.
    — Todd Gordon, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of coil
Noun
  • One thing to look out for with a rate lock is whether a lender charges a fee for it.
    — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 21 Oct. 2026
  • By then, Conan Doyle was receiving dozens of inquiries addressed to Sherlock Holmes each month—requests for autographs, advice, even locks of hair.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of lock
Verb
  • The style, which currently retails for $1,870, features silver satin uppers and is described as serpent sandals because of the winding straps that snake around the wearer’s foot.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • On winding roads, its model-specific suspension tuning and focus on weight reduction translate into exceptional body control at speed without becoming brittle or overly rigid in slower, more technical sections.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of wind
Noun
  • As exhibited at Bora Aksu, hair was unapologetically romantic, with feathery ponytails, glossy ringlets, and bows in abundance.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Her hair was equally refined and regal, featuring rolling ringlets and the same rhinestone embellishments that bridged her nose and cheeks.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of ringlet
Verb
  • Where the Duo has curved edges and a distinct D-like appearance, the Z Fold 8 is strictly rectangular with sharp edges all around.
    — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Animators studied ostriches before feeding their digital movement curves into a six-axis mechanical rig carrying the performers.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of curve
Noun
  • Oils are best thought of as a strand treatment, smoothing the cuticle, cutting frizz and reducing breakage during brushing and styling.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The hair oil was the key to adding shine, nourishment, and taming frizz.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of frizz
Verb
  • The composition of these jets isn’t crystal clear, but scientists suspect electrons, positrons (the antimatter versions of electrons) and perhaps protons are pulled along swirling magnetic lines before being sent out from the black hole’s poles.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • As for the suites, the highlight is their private terraces, peaceful havens from which to admire, paradoxically, the urban whirlwind swirling below.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on curl

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about curl

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