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Definitions

curve

[kurv] / kɜrv /
NOUN
arched, rounded line or object
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arc arch contour loop trajectory
STRONG
ambit bend bight bow camber catenary chord circle circuit circumference compass concavity crook curlicue curvature ellipse festoon flexure hairpin half-moon helix horseshoe hyperbola incurvation incurvature meniscus ogee parabola quirk round sinuosity sweep swerve turn vault whorl
WEAK
curvation rondure
Antonyms
WEAK
line
VERB
bending in a shape or course
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bend buckle bulge coil crumple curl loop skew spiral swerve twist veer
STRONG
arc arch bow crook deviate divert gyrate hook inflect round snake stoop turn wind wreathe
WEAK
concave convex incurve
Antonyms
STRONGEST
straighten
STRONG
stay

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That’s precisely why I never wanted a sequel, and why I ask that you trust me here, even though I’ve admitted to you that I’m grading on a curve.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

The term structures are sloping upwards, particularly in the front end of the curve.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

The reward is a cash machine bolted to the fastest-growing electricity demand curve in America.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Mendoza aims to eliminate the steep learning curve for rookie quarterbacks by preparing before officially joining the team.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Within a few years he developed a systematic method of solving the tangent problem; he could figure out the tangent to any smooth curve at any point.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife