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.

Opposing batters knew that almost everything Soriano threw would be down in the zone, whether it was a sinker, splitter or curveball.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

Not wanting to overload Soriano, the Angels had him focus on his sinker and curveball, his two best pitches.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 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 wicked curveball attracted the major- league scouts, and the Washington Senators were interested in signing him but changed their minds.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García

curveball

Example Sentences

Related Words