curtain 1 of 2

noun

ˈkər-tᵊn How to pronounce curtain (audio)
Definition of curtainnext
1
as in veil
something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth there has long been a curtain of secrecy surrounding that group

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in drapes
curtains plural pieces of cloth hung to darken, decorate, or divide a room the kittens keep climbing the curtains

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3
as in sleep
curtains plural the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities it'll be curtains for us if we're caught

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

curtain

2 of 2

verb

as in to hide
to keep secret or shut off from view she dropped her head in shame and curtained her face with her hair

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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 curtain
Noun
Custom Window Treatments Window treatments are tempting to buy, especially since custom curtains and drapes often come with a steep price tag. — Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 2026 The autumnal color story began with curtains from Khouri’s former Santa Monica bedroom. — Caroline Randall Williams, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
No blackout curtains or losing the cues of your outside environment. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 1 June 2026 Floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of natural light, the blackout curtains work well, and the beds are both supportive and plush. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for curtain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curtain
  1. veil
  2. sleep
  3. hide
  4. shroud
  5. doom
  6. conceal
  7. cloak
  8. passing
Noun
  • The jeweler recently posted up-close photos of the ring on Instagram, as well as a snap of Lee wearing a white veil and kissing Posty’s head while showing off the sparkling rock on her finger to the camera.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The bride wore a sleeveless, knee-length A-line frock, paired with a short tulle veil and simple white heels.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of veil
Noun
  • But what if the longer wavelengths of the embers could both extend the hours of socializing without heavily impeding our sleep cycle?
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The value of eight hours of sound sleep has become more apparent to guests in an era of meditation apps and wearable fitness trackers that monitor sleep.
    — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of sleep
Verb
  • Yes, that’s right, the world’s most famous nude sculpture was once outfitted with a belt of 28 copper leaves to hide its genitalia.
    — Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Avoid walking through tall grass, rocky areas or other places where snakes might hide, such as wildflower or bluebonnet patches.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of hide
Noun
  • That has astronomers eagerly awaiting what can be seen as the shroud over the heart of the Milky Way gets at least partially lifted.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The secrecy mandate in state law shrouds more than just the financial details of a project.
    — Rob Davis, ProPublica, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of shroud
Noun
  • Though nothing about the current situation is ideal, there’s no clear way to hop off without ensuring certain doom at the hands of a large, angry cat.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
  • After a freak accident, Frank the bunny appears in an outstandingly creepy fashion to inform Donnie Darko of the world's impending doom.
    — Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of doom
Verb
  • That's because the sink and invisible dual-burner induction cooktop are concealed below a sliding top that works just like a bar or table when retracted.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • All three globe bulbs are concealed here, as is most of the cord, but a foot pedal on/off switch ensures ease of use.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of conceal
Noun
  • The sculpture depicts a female figure, her cloak billowing out in the shape of a seed around her and etched with more than 300 global symbols of peace, holding olive branches and surrounded by six children, each representing a continent.
    — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Accompanying the drones will be a suite of musical scores and dialogue from the films, as well as a live performance by an electric violinist (dressed in a wizard’s cloak) to help amplify the soundtrack.
    — Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of cloak
Noun
  • Quarterback Nathaniel Cadet gives Barristers legitimate passing attack.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The passing of Gruber, who served as judge for 24 years until his retirement in 2024, was announced by his son, William Gruber, on Facebook.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of passing

Phrases Containing curtain

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curtails
curtain
curtained
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Cite this Entry

“Curtain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtain. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on curtain

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about curtain

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