Curve — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective verb noun /ˈkərv/

Meaning & Definition of Curve

Curve (adjective)

  1. bent or formed into a curve

Curve (verb)

  1. to have or take a turn, change, or deviation from a straight line or plane surface without sharp breaks or angularity
  2. to cause to curve
  3. to throw a curveball to (a batter)

Curve (noun)

  1. a line especially when curved
  2. the path of a moving point
  3. a line defined by an equation so that the coordinates of its points are functions of a single independent variable or parameter

Curve (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that curves or is curved

    "the bold curve of the racing yacht's hull"

    similar: angle, arc, arch, bend, bow, crook, curvature, inflection, turn, wind
    related: kink, warp, circle, ring, ringlet, round, coil, curl, curlicue, buckle, convolution, flexure, fold, loop, spiral, swirl, twist, winding, incurvature, reflection, decline, inclination, incline, slope, corner, turnoff, dogleg, hairpin

Curve (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: arc, arch, bend, bow, crook, fall off, hook, round, sweep, swerve, trend, wheel
    related: circle, coil, curlicue, curl, loop, spiral, turn, twist, wind, deviate, veer
    opposite: straighten

  2. to cause to turn away from a straight line

    "curved the wood to make a bow"

    similar: arch, bend, bow, crook, hook, swerve
    related: arc, round, incurvate, incurve, inflect, reflect, deflect, divert, entwine, kink, swirl, turn, twine, twist, veer, warp, coil, curl, enroll, loop, spiral, dent, dimple, meander, wave, weave, wind, decline, incline, slope
    opposite: straighten, unbend, uncurl

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Curve

The most common words with a similar meaning to Curve:

angle, arc, arch, bend, bow, crook, curvature, inflection, turn, wind, fall off, hook, round, sweep, swerve, trend, wheel

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Curve

Words with the opposite meaning of Curve:

straighten, unbend, uncurl

Related Words for Curve

kink, warp, circle, ring, ringlet, coil, curl, curlicue, buckle, convolution, flexure, fold, loop, spiral, swirl, twist, winding, incurvature, reflection, decline, inclination, incline, slope, corner, turnoff, dogleg, hairpin, deviate, veer, incurvate

Word Forms of Curve

Inflections: curved, curving

Origin & Etymology of Curve

Middle English, from Latin curvus; akin to Greek kyrtos convex, Middle Irish cruinn round

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Curve

Words & Phrases Containing Curve

curve fitting, bell curve, epidemic curve, french curve, Gaussian curve, Jordan curve, Jordan curve theorem

Frequently Asked Questions about Curve

What does "Curve" mean?

"Curve" means bent or formed into a curve. As an an adjective, a verb and a noun, it is defined as: bent or formed into a curve. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Curve"?

Other words for "Curve" include angle, arc, arch, bend, bow, crook, curvature and inflection. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Curve" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Curve"?

There are 60 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Curve". Common alternatives include angle, arc, arch, bend, bow, crook, curvature, inflection, turn and wind.

What is the opposite of "Curve"?

Antonyms of "Curve" include straighten, unbend and uncurl.

How do you use "Curve" in a sentence?

Examples of "Curve" in a sentence: "the bold curve of the racing yacht's hull"; "after following a straight path most of the way down the mountain, the ski trail abruptly curves to the right"; "curved the wood to make a bow".

Is "Curve" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Curve" can be used as an adjective, a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Curve" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Curve" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Curve"?

"Curve" is pronounced /ˈkərv/.