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Definition of curveball

curveball

/ˈkɝːv.bɔːl/
curve · ball
Plural:curveballs
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curveball Lexical Profile

curveball Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Something that is unexpected, surprising, or designed to deceive or disrupt normal plans (often used in the phrase 'throw a curveball').

Example

"The sudden change in the client's budget threw our project team a major curveball."

2

In baseball, a pitch thrown with strong topspin that causes the ball to drop and veer sharply as it approaches home plate.

Example

"The pitcher struck out the final batter with a sharply breaking curveball."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for curveball
Antonyms
View all antonyms for curveball

• Nearby Words

curvaceously
curvature
curve
curveball
curvilinear
curviness
curvy

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in American baseball terminology in the late 19th century from the combination of 'curve' and 'ball', with the figurative sense of an unexpected problem emerging in the mid-20th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Curveball. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/curveball
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