curse 1 of 2

curse

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to imprecate
to ask a divine power to send harm or evil upon I curse the guy who had the idea of having annoying salespeople call up innocent people to sell them things they don't want

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to swear
to use offensive or indecent language you'll have to put a quarter in the jar every time you curse

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in to blame
to use profane or obscene language at or about cursed him for showing up late, when he knew how important it was to be on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 curse
Noun
The centuries-old Macedonian folktale that shapes the doc involves a farmer’s son, Silyan, who’s caught between two worlds after his angry father’s curse turns him into a stork. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025 Pro bono doesn’t have to be treated like a curse! Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
Sarah entered Cuba on a family visa and met her brother in the country, cursed since 1960 — cursed for 65 years — by an embargo forbidding Cuban trade and nearly everything else with American interests. Charles Hammer, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2025 The cousin also claimed that Giovanni cursed at him, which led to a confrontation on the side of the road during which Giovanni pulled out a knife. Janelle Griffith, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curse
Noun
  • The impact of the story, as audio of Hind’s voice from that call went viral on social media, sparked global condemnation.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
  • That limitation was underscored this summer when the US launched air strikes on Iran, with China and Russia offering little in assistance apart from verbal condemnation of the attacks.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Taylor and Hinkle swear by bonnets, while Royal and others recommend tying longer styles into a loose bun or braid before wrapping.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Patullo tore off his headset with a rare and celebratory swear.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Inclement weather has long been the bane of festivals and outdoor tours, and differentiating between climate change and a stretch of bad storms can be tricky.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025
  • In the first episode, my friend Anthony, who’s also a cameraman on the show, talks about vertical video being the bane of society.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Tigers have been plagued by poor starting pitching, a thin bullpen and an offense that hasn’t played with the same spark since the All-Star break.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Aligning With San Francisco’s Health Care Security Ordinance San Francisco’s Health Care Security Ordinance was designed to expand access, but the system has long been plagued by complexity.
    Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Of course, nobody enjoys feeling blamed or accused, so the instinct to deflect may feel right.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The 2024 first-round pick blamed the weather, not nerves or feeling too amped up, on an inaccurate pass targeting DeMario Douglas to open the game.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The censure resolution stated that McIver is alleged to have slammed her forearm into the body of an HSI officer, in addition to forcibly grabbing the officer.
    Jenna Sundel Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Democratic leaders had planned to introduce the censure resolution Thursday afternoon and consider it Friday.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The language was tacked on in a last-minute amendment just before the legislature adjourned for the 2024 session.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Various exemptions for the requirement include having certain disabilities, having less than three years of formal English language learner instruction or receiving intensive support.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This year, the landscape has been altered in their favor as their top nemesis, King Philip, recently dropped to Div.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Miami advanced as Lionel Messi’s two goals led a 3-1 home win over nemesis Orlando.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curse. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on curse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!