Synonyms of curio

curio

noun

ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌō 

1

as in ornamental

a small object displayed for its attractiveness or interest

be careful of the fragile curios on the end tables

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ornamental
• souvenir
• novelty
• knickknack
• ornament
• trinket
• tchotchke
• collectible
• gewgaw
• bauble
• gimcrack
• bibelot
• gaud
• curiosity
• kickshaw
• doodad
• gimcrackery
• trumpery
• figurine
• bagatelle
• bric-a-brac
• memento
• bijouterie
• trifle
• keepsake
• virtu
• conversation piece
• trinketry
• objet d'art
• collector's item

2

as in rarity

something strange or unusual that is an object of interest

a museum's collection of curios brought back from the Far East by 19th-century traders

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rarity
• exotic
• curiosity
• wonder
• oddity
• marvel
• monster
• virtu
• oddment
• curiosa
• ephemera
• objet d'art
• mutant
• prodigy
• found object
• anomaly
• mutation
• abnormality
• objet trouvé
• freak
• rare bird
• rara avis
• malformation
• monstrosity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of curio

Colleen keeps a curio cabinet full of mementos of a baby loved in her all too short life and beyond. — Edie Kasten, CBS News, 6 June 2026

From room to room walls are covered in blue block prints or hot-pink illustrations of pear trees, while floors are scattered with artisanal rugs and a collection of curios—a rooster statue, a floral dress form—is hidden all over. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Their efforts coincided with the advent of motoring vacations in the United States and iconic roadside services like diners, motor lodges, service stations and curio shops. — Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 27 May 2026

The decor is worldly and bohemian with playful wallpaper, opulent rugs, bold pops of color, and curios. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026