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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of curio
In addition to books for sale, there will be jewelry, curios, knick-knacks, puzzles and more available.
—
Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for curio
Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for curio
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curio
Noun
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But while many edibles and ornamentals make good companions for apples and other fruit trees, some plants just don't belong in your backyard orchard.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Oct. 2025
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Mealybugs can affect all types of crops, ornamentals, and houseplants, including succulents and cacti.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
31 July 2025
Noun
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The rarity of the mechanism means that legal and political challenges would be expected, and the fallout could reshape city and state politics.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
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The hotel honors its commitment to sustainability with an organic garden that provides fresh ingredients for the restaurant—a rarity on the island, where logistics make fresh produce difficult to come by.—
Carla Vianna,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Connor showed me one other market, one that was a bit calmer, and pointed me to the best shops to get all my souvenirs.—
Taylor McIntyre,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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Did these souvenirs seem counterfeit to her, awful reminders of her long imprisonment in the wrong body?—
James Marcus,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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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
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European exotics were also present.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Watson did have a gene associated with novelty-seeking.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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The grocery chain’s newest novelty item, the Trader Joe's Can of Corn Scented Candle, is already making waves online for its playful design and surprisingly inviting scent.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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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
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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 12 Nov. 2025.
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