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
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of curio
Meanwhile, admirers, colleagues and gallery workers have sent her curios from New Mexico, Tennessee, New England and beyond.
—
Leigh-Ann Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
The curio cabinets are empty of their curiosities.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026
Instead, this reboot might be misremembered as a direct-to-video curio — or rediscovered as a bad cult object destined to give some idiot cinephile alcohol poisoning.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
Other items will also be available, such as jewelry, curios, knick-knacks, puzzles and more.
—Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for curio
Leigh-Ann Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
The curio cabinets are empty of their curiosities.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026
Instead, this reboot might be misremembered as a direct-to-video curio — or rediscovered as a bad cult object destined to give some idiot cinephile alcohol poisoning.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
Other items will also be available, such as jewelry, curios, knick-knacks, puzzles and more.
—Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for curio
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curio
Noun
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Featuring four miles of trails, SDBG has the largest public bamboo collection in North America; gardens representing different regions and flora of the world; and demonstration gardens showcasing fruits and vegetables, water-smart ornamentals, and native plants.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
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Wormwood Like rue, wormwood is another medicinal herb that’s typically grown as an ornamental these days and enjoyed for its delightfully pungent aroma.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
10 May 2026
Noun
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This differs from the traditional approach of many high jewelers, who often begin with exceptional gemstones because of their rarity and value.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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Funding aside, that rarity has also posed a problem for researchers.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
12 May 2026
Noun
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The foul ball off of Song's bat wasn't a routine fly ball, either, hence the fact that fans sitting around Golla and her friend weren't trying to catch it for a souvenir.—
Mark Harris OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
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Robbie found his souvenir for the day, a rattlesnake stuffie in a can.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
Noun
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Here are my picks and exotics for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks. 2026 Kentucky Oaks Day Betting Card Race 8: $5 to Win on #2 French Fiction. Race 9: $5 to Win and Place on #8 Corporate Power ($10 total bet).—
Geoff Clark OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
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The list includes coveted exotics, like the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM, along with some unexpected names, like the Toyota Rav4 EV short-wheelbase prototype.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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What started as curiosity about playful packaging and novelty ingredients has matured into serious interest in clinical-grade skincare and aesthetic medicine.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2026
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Wojdyla said the museum’s biggest question is how a New York violation tied to a California novelty plate could be linked back to a museum in Illinois.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Noun
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In Lincolnwood, Ritu Uppal, the 60-year-old owner of a knickknack and home decor store, wishes decisionmakers would prioritize people who depend on malls more, rather than treat closures as business transactions.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
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Add a natural wood or wicker coffee table to the living room, or stack some stone knickknacks on a side table.—
Kylie Petty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Curio.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curio. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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