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Showing results for curveball. Search instead for curvebal.
Definitions

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.

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

Ohtani used a wide range of his arsenal Friday, landing an especially effective curveball for a called third strike against Heliot Ramos in the fourth inning.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

However, the developer threw a Ye-style curveball of his own in 2025, when he opted to list the partially completed home for $39 million, eventually reducing that price to $34.9 million.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026

"That's completely unexpected, what a curveball, I've been totally played."

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

His curveball wasn’t curving, his sinker wasn’t sinking, his knuckler wasn’t knuckling.

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.