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
Relevance
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
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 curio
Robotaxi tests began there in 2023, and the company started offering demo rides to curios spectators at Resorts World in late July.
—
Salvador Rodriguez,annie Palmer, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Go treasure hunting at the Antique Center of La Crosse, a three-story trove of vintage finds and quirky curios.
—Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025
Twin brothers and founders Dean and Dale Peterson stocked it with British antiques and pop-culture curios while building one of the tastiest menus in Glendale, with favorites such as fish and chips but also Mexican fare and — as of the 1990s — some of Colorado’s first commercial craft brews.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025
But the gaps between them overflowed with street venders, curio shops, taquerías, liquor stores, and T-shirt stands, with the hawkers scouting the crowds around them.
—Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for curio
Salvador Rodriguez,annie Palmer, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Go treasure hunting at the Antique Center of La Crosse, a three-story trove of vintage finds and quirky curios.
—Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025
Twin brothers and founders Dean and Dale Peterson stocked it with British antiques and pop-culture curios while building one of the tastiest menus in Glendale, with favorites such as fish and chips but also Mexican fare and — as of the 1990s — some of Colorado’s first commercial craft brews.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025
But the gaps between them overflowed with street venders, curio shops, taquerías, liquor stores, and T-shirt stands, with the hawkers scouting the crowds around them.
—Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for curio
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curio
Noun
-
Taller ornamental grasses work well for the vertical element in more permanent in-ground mum displays, and dwarf varieties, which are still often two feet tall, are well-suited for fall container designs.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Mealybugs can affect all types of crops, ornamentals, and houseplants, including succulents and cacti.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
There is a rarity in this Blue Jays run.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
-
The rarity of the Reagan-Thatcher relationship hasn’t been replicated, though some presidents have come close.—
Paul Bedard,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Marché Artisanal for house finds, souvenirs, gifts, jewelry, and African art.—
Essence,
Essence,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Spend Time Shopping Despite its size, there are several places in town to pick up a souvenir or find a one-of-a-kind good.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Native to Brazil and other South American and Central American countries, colorful peacock bass were stocked in South Florida canals in the mid-1980s by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to control the population of undesirable exotics like tilapia.—
Steve Waters,
Miami Herald,
10 Oct. 2025
-
European exotics were also present.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Everything — from the app that pings the cookie drops to the branding strategy that weaponizes nostalgia and novelty — emanates from this Provo facility.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Oct. 2025
-
At the same time, their brains are especially sensitive to novelty and social rewards.—
Caitlin Cavanagh,
The Conversation,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Read on to shop our picks for the best stocking stuffers and mini delights for this holiday season—including sweet treats, cold-weather accessories, and charming knickknacks.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Plus, the top is ideal for displaying decor like family photos or knickknacks.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Curio.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curio. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share