CURVE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

curve 1 of 2

noun

Definition of curve

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

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

straighten

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

These changes aren't earth-shattering, but the browser's curves and soft colors nonetheless bring it more in line with current design trends. — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026 Today, there are two main ways to make wood curve, but both have significant drawbacks. — New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026

Verb

The signature curved heel from the designer’s Larroudé past collections returns, but this time also in a kitten heel iteration. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026 It was curved, 6 to 8 feet long, 3 feet wide, and had pockets built into the sides, photos show. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curve

Noun

Mike recalled that the effects of the disease were noticeable around the time of his 2011 wedding to Zara, and said his father’s physical decline had included curvature of the spine and subsequent medical problems.

— Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026
An ant living deep inside the snow globe can’t easily detect any curvature, and therefore can’t tell the difference between anti-de Sitter and de Sitter space.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of curvature

Verb

Before his arcing shot had even nestled in the net, teammates’ arms were aloft and Sullivan was wheeling away in celebration.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
One more signal and the sides stretch outward and arc up around the protesters, then contract inward to drive them toward contact with the arrest team.

— Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of arc

Verb

Her son, Gabe Smith, described his mother as tempered, tender and tough — someone who could bend and not break.

— Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Centuries later, Art Nouveau revived nature’s patterns once again, bending iron and glass into curling stems and petals.

— Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of bend

Noun

Rogers controlled Bellingham’s pass with his heel and slotted in from an angle.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
When the pulses met at an angle of 45 degrees, their electric fields combined in a way that made the resulting light field oscillate in all three spatial directions.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of angle

Verb

Terracotta tiles are at his feet; behind him is a gnarled pine tree, arching toward the sea.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
Its initial trajectory after stage separation will put the spacecraft on the same course as previous flights, arching toward a reentry and splashdown in the Indian Ocean.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of arch

Noun

Hudson Williams’ next turn The next big thing in-the-making is Yaga, which features Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams alongside Carrie-Anne Moss in a witchy folklore drama set in a coastal town called Whittock.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Police say violations can take different forms, from drivers attempting to beat a traffic signal to drivers making a right turn without stopping as required.

— Nina Burns, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn

Verb

The Cook Political Report announced last week that more competitive races appear to be trending toward Democrats.

— Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026
These are two teams trending in the opposite direction, but all the Horned Frogs need is one victory to change the outlook of the season.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of trend

Browse Nearby Words

curvatures

curve

curved

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curve. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of curve

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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