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

The Commonwealths is a multi-sport competition held every four years between member states of the Commonwealth of Nations and their territories, and has become more of a sporting curio in recent iterations, ranking well below the Olympics. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Over the past few years, Sofie Birch has amassed a sparkling catalog of bucolic curios on outré labels. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026

Like many a limited series, The Offer faded in our collective memories, its bizarro ’70s pop history a curio of 2022. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 July 2026

The villas are filled with books, instruments, games, curios and thoughtful details that suggest actual living rather than generic hospitality design. — Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 15 June 2026