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.

The curveball was that the adviser said he was taking a break from golf, but was seen on the course shortly after.

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

Fans of former baseball star Ichiro Suzuki were thrown a curveball when a statue of him broke as it was being unveiled outside the home of the Seattle Mariners on Friday.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Yamamoto then let Gabriel Arias, the No. 8 hitter, get a hold of a curveball for a 407-foot home run to straightaway center field, his first this season.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Here’s what you’ve already missed, what’s still on the table—and some curveball alternatives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Still, I knew that Major League pitching needed more than just speed; control and a good curveball had to be there too.

From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson

curveball

Example Sentences

Related Words