Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for "curve ball"
Synonyms

curve ball

British  

noun

  1. baseball a ball pitched in a curving path so as to make it more difficult to hit

  2. informal something deceptive

    his wholesome image was a curve ball thrown to deceive the public

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

See Examples For:

The couple have documented the "mammoth renovation" project on their Channel 4 show and said the "biggest curve ball" they encountered so far was dealing with bird poo and dry rot.

From BBC ● Apr. 17, 2026

However, Belmont threw a Ye-style curve ball of his own earlier this year, when he opted to list the partially-completed home for $39 million, eventually reducing that price to $34.9 million.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 11, 2025

No doubt, the renewed selloff throws a curve ball at bond investors, who have been disappointed so far after last year's record 13% losses.

From Reuters ● Jul. 7, 2023

With an 11th-hour curve ball that would surely make Logan Roy smirk, “Succession” creator Jesse Armstrong revealed the drama’s upcoming fourth season will be its last.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 23, 2023

Between innings the manager talked in low tones with Kennedy, who was catching, seeking to discover why Williams seemed wild and what was the matter with his curve ball.

From Jimmy Kirkland and the Plot for a Pennant by Hugh S. Fullerton

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training