Definitions

curveball

[kurv-bawl] / ˈkɜrvˌbɔl /

NOUN

maneuver

Synonyms

STRONGEST

action gimmick manipulation measure movement plot ploy procedure ruse scheme step stunt trick

STRONG

angle artifice contrivance demarche device dodge feint finesse gambit game intrigue jig machination plan play proceeding shenanigans shuffle stratagem subterfuge

WEAK

fancy footwork

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cessation ignorance inaction inactivity stoppage

STRONG

honesty openness

NOUN

ruse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

feint game plan gimmick hoax ploy sham stratagem stunt subterfuge

STRONG

angle artifice blind deceit device dodge gambit game imposture jig maneuver scenario shenanigans shift switch twist wile

WEAK

booby trap

Antonyms

STRONG

frankness honesty openness reality stagnation truth truthfulness

NOUN

surprise

Synonyms

STRONGEST

amazement astonishment awe bewilderment consternation curiosity disappointment jolt miracle revelation shock wonder

STRONG

abruptness attack bombshell disillusion epiphany eureka fortune godsend incredulity kick marvel miscalculation phenomenon portent precipitance precipitation precipitousness prodigy rarity start stupefaction suddenness thunderbolt whammy wonderment

WEAK

astoundment eye-opener unexpected unforeseen

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calmness composure coolness expectation happiness indifference

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.

He has added a cutter to the mix, to pair with his curveball and slider.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

But Musk threw potential investors a curveball last week when he posted on X that SpaceX had requested a short-term deal to kick things off.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

Stankiewicz credited Trojans pitching coach Sean Allen for helping Edwards, known for his rising heater, improve his curveball and develop his breaking ball.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Then left-hander Brennan Bernardino came on in relief and tied up a clearly frustrated Max Muncy with a curveball, striking him out and ending a scoreless inning with Freeman stranded on third.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

His curveball wasn’t curving, his sinker wasn’t sinking, his knuckler wasn’t knuckling.

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli

curveball

Example Sentences

Related Words