curve

/kˈɜːv/

/ˈkɝv/

[noun] [verb]

Curve

[NOUN]

a line or shape that is not straight and bends gradually

synonyms : curved shape

antonyms : straight line

curved segment (of a road or river or railroad track etc.)

synonyms : bend

a line representing a variable in a graph

a pitch of a baseball that is thrown with spin so that its path curves as it approaches the batter

synonyms : bender

breaking ball

curve ball

the property possessed by the curving of a line or surface

synonyms : curvature

to curve

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

turn sharply; change direction abruptly

synonyms : cut

to form a curved bend or shape

synonyms : arc

arch

to have turns, changes and deviations from a straight line

synonyms : twist

wind

form a curl, curve, or kink

synonyms : curl

kink

bend or cause to bend

synonyms : crook

Examples

1. The reporter threw the candidate a curve by asking about his past drug use.

2. Then again, some major thinkers are way ahead of the curve.

3. Our team is behind the curve in terms of meeting our targets for the quarter.

4. Just when everyone thought life could not get any better, fate throws them a curve ball.

Nearby words

curved sectional sofa

curved shape

curving

curvy