1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
since the start of her acting career her parents have steadfastly remained her arch supporters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
was so arch as to ask him outright if he was wearing a toupee
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mischievous
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
the arch look on the girl's face betrayed her as the one who had tricked the babysitter into believing that the house was haunted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in curvature
something that curves or is curved
the limestone arch is a natural formation that is the product of many years of erosion
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to bend
to cause to turn away from a straight line
the cat arched her back whenever she was stroked
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course
the path gradually arches off into the woods
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 arch
Erica Sloan, SELF, 20 June 2025
The fixture which everyone’s eyes will turn to is those against arch rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Those properly equipped to venture down these dirt roads are rewarded with some special sights, such as the natural arches of Devil’s Bridge or Vultee Arch off Dry Creek Road.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 June 2025
Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 25 Apr. 2025
Warning signs a skunk is ready to spray include jumping, stamping their front feet, arching their back, clicking teeth, and hissing.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for arch
Adjective
Bopping around in shoes with little if any arch support (like flats or flip-flops) can worsen plantar fasciitis by asking that band of tissue to work overtime, Dr. DeLott says.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 20 June 2025
The fixture which everyone’s eyes will turn to is those against arch rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
The two planned to take a photo beneath the iconic Bonnaroo arch on June 13.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Those properly equipped to venture down these dirt roads are rewarded with some special sights, such as the natural arches of Devil’s Bridge or Vultee Arch off Dry Creek Road.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 June 2025
Verb
Rather than looking down at the ground directly in front of you, or letting your head arch back, gaze straight ahead, physical therapist, run coach and running gait analyst Lisa Mitro, DPT tells SELF.
—Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 25 Apr. 2025
Warning signs a skunk is ready to spray include jumping, stamping their front feet, arching their back, clicking teeth, and hissing.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for arch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arch
Adjective
-
The Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which includes Victoria state police, federal police and Australia's main domestic spy agency, said the fire was likely a politically motivated attack.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
6 July 2025
-
The circular balcony, which looks down on the museum’s main lobby, is festooned with ribbons from the ceremony that took place when the Long Wharf moved from its longtime home on the loading dock to offices in the Audubon arts district.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
In hindsight that decision may not have been the wisest.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
5 July 2025
-
Demonstrating a talent for working in fluent french peppered with a british accent, the actor delivers one of his most indelible acting turns as the sly, wry, and wise business mogul-turned- butler who finds new purpose in life working on the other side of the fence.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Her intelligence is that vital and exacting, her wit that mischievous, her concerns – feminism, environmentalism, dystopian societies – that urgently relevant.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 July 2025
-
Wearing a now-iconic red tie and less cartoonish design with more angular and mischievous features, DKC’s version of Kong has been a staple for over 30 years.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
The way this phase accumulates over a looping path is called the Berry curvature, referencing the curved shape that the arrow is secretly traversing.—
Shalma Wegsman,
Quanta Magazine,
6 June 2025
-
When ordinary matter or light rides this curvature, its motion is impacted.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
16 June 2025
Verb
-
The Epstein flap, as of Monday night, now appears to be the latest example of a second Trump term that’s been defined by the president’s ability to bend GOP lawmakers and his base to his will.—
Shelby Talcott,
semafor.com,
14 July 2025
-
If the White man stands for innovation, grit, and not bending to PC nonsense, count me in.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Instead of straight paths, employ a curving pathway to reveal one part of the garden at a time.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 July 2025
-
Bad Idea occupies more than 5,000 square feet of space, with 25-foot curving ceilings and tall windows that welcome in the fading light as the sun sets.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
Designer Elizabeth Ghia’s inspiring spaces bring icons of design history into the 21st century for spaces that feel fresh yet classic.—
Dan Howarth,
Architectural Digest,
7 July 2025
-
The full menu features ten alcoholic and ten no-low ABV serves, each carefully modernized using advanced techniques, refined ingredients, and a fresh approach to balance and presentation.—
Amber Love Bond,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Tiernan McKinney often works on guitar necks, while Kennedy himself has input along the way on design, wood type, color and the wicked inlays found from top to bottom of each piece.—
Otto Rabe,
The Enquirer,
9 July 2025
-
The Judean wilds are full of others seeking clarity, plus a wicked merchant named Musa sent to test and torment the young ascetic from Galilee.—
Mia Barzilay Freund,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arch. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share