arch

16 synonyms and 1 antonym for arch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A curved structure that spans an opening, typically supporting the weight above it.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

curve bend sly arc wicked

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

archway wry impish patronizing pixilated patronising implike prankish condescending puckish mischievous

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A curved structure that spans an opening, typically supporting the weight above it.

“Rain dripped from the old brick arch above the station entrance.”

archway curve bend sly wry impish

2. verb

To bend into a curved shape.

“The gymnast arched her body backwards to form a perfect curve.”

arc curve

3. adj

Deliberately playful, knowing, or mischievous, often in tone or expression.

“He raised one eyebrow and gave his friend an arch look.”

patronizing pixilated patronising implike prankish condescending impish puckish wicked mischievous

Opposites

serious

How to use arch

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

stone arch arch enemy arch smile arch one's back

Etymology

From Old French arche, a feminine form of arc, from Latin arcus, "a bow, arc, or arch".

Full origin of arch →

Frequently asked questions

What does “arch” mean?

The word “arch” means a curved structure that spans an opening, typically supporting the weight above it. In plain terms, a curved structural shape, the act of curving something, or (as an adjective) knowingly playful or foremost.

How do you pronounce “arch”?

“Arch” is pronounced ahch (/ɑɹt͡ʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “arch” in a sentence?

Here is “arch” used in a sentence: “They walked through the stone arch into the courtyard.”

What part of speech is “arch”?

Depending on how it is used, “arch” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.

Where does the word “arch” come from?

The word “arch” comes from Latin. From Old French arche, a feminine form of arc, from Latin arcus, "a bow, arc, or arch".

Is “arch” a common word?

“Arch” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “arch” have?

“Arch” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a curved structure that spans an opening, typically supporting the weight above it.

What is the difference between arch and arc?

An arc is any curved line or path, such as part of a circle, while an arch is a curved structure that spans an opening and typically supports the weight above it. A thrown ball traces an arc; a bridge stands on arches.

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serious curve arc bend wicked sly wry mischievous condescending patronizing pixilated puckish

Nearby words

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