arc 1 of 2

noun

ˈärk How to pronounce arc (audio)
Definition of arcnext
as in curvature
something that curves or is curved the stars seemed to align themselves into one vast glittering arc

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arc

2 of 2

verb

as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course the ball arced toward the batter and nearly hit him

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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 arc
Noun
Gong’s collection followed the emotional arc of unrequited love, from the first spark and the anxious wait to the social-media sleuthing, a date, and the sudden disappearance that follows. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 The system uses tomosynthesis, a process that combines X-rays taken in an arc around the body with computer science to create clear, 3D images. — Alice Park, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
Unlike a conventional ballistic missile, which follows a relatively predictable arcing trajectory, an HGV generates aerodynamic lift and can maneuver during its descent. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026 With MacIver well off her line, Gutierres bent an arcing shot into the net from 40 yards out on the right side. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arc
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arc
  1. curvature
  2. curve
  3. angle
  4. bend
  5. turn
Noun
  • Individual fibers can detect curvature along a line, but reconstructing an entire surface presents a greater challenge.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of curvature
Verb
  • Animators studied ostriches before feeding their digital movement curves into a six-axis mechanical rig carrying the performers.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The tangle of stubby points stood out like overgrown thumbs, and the down-curving prongs on either side of his head were at least a foot long.
    — Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of curve
Noun
  • The bat might have gone higher than the 25-degree launch angle on his homer.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Brunson beats defenders with skill and not size, relying on footwork, fakes and spins that create angles to get his shot off against taller defenders.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of angle
Noun
  • The region could see 3 to 7 inches of rain, but some spots in the panhandle and big bend could see up to 15 inches, forecasters warned.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Ideal for those who don’t want earbuds sitting in their ear canals all day, the AeroClip is a flexible, comfortable earbud that can endure 20,000 bends and still deliver high-res bass.
    — Carlos Mejia, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of bend
Noun
  • Air traffic control approved the descent, and the plane began a right descending turn that increased in rate until communications and tracking data were lost.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Riding high after their 2024 romp, in which Republicans won control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, there was optimism in the GOP that the rightward turn among Hispanic voters could reflect a permanent realignment.
    — Justin Papp, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of turn

Browse Nearby Words

arbors
arc
arcade
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arc.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arc. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on arc

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arc

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