curio

noun

ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌō How to pronounce curio (audio)
Definition of curionext
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

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 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 See All Example Sentences for curio
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curio
  1. ornamental
  2. rarity
  3. souvenir
  4. exotic
  5. novelty
  6. knickknack
Noun
  • Native species tend to establish faster and handle local climate stress better than ornamentals imported from other regions.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • Gardeners can naturally reduce beetle populations and protect their landscapes by planting geraniums among more susceptible ornamentals.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026
Definition of ornamental
Noun
  • Race contestants could buy gas at a now-enviable 15 cents a gallon, but filling stations were a rarity.
    — Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Improv was encouraged by Park, a rarity for a show like Sterling Point.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • The novelty vending machines mold souvenir sculptures — a train car, a gorilla, a bust of Abraham Lincoln — in under a minute, filling a two-sided mold with hot plastic, then hollowing it out with compressed air.
    — Juliet Bennett Rylah, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Your ticket also comes with a commemorative souvenir glass plus access to a variety of new offerings, including a petting zoo, photo booth, games and more.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of souvenir
Noun
  • Unlike most six‑figure exotics that depreciate as predictably as the setting sun, the 911 has behaved like a blue‑chip asset, giving owners confidence that their purchase rested on unusually solid financial ground.
    — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The primate, who was not microchipped, has been given a clean bill of health after being seen by a specialist exotics vet for a check-up, the release noted.
    — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Definition of exotic
Noun
  • That’s a key signal that the humanoid robot market is at least starting to mature from novelty – and dance shows – toward utility.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Its novelty keeps Marvel Tokon from being too familiar, cementing it as a worthwhile title in its own right.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of novelty
Noun
  • But each room is packed with nooks and crannies and knickknacks to click around on, investigate, and learn about, so there’s almost always something to dig into.
    — Jay Peters, The Verge, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Books and knickknacks made from bronze, glass and wood cover the coffee table.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
Definition of knickknack

Browse Nearby Words

curing
curio
curios
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Cite this Entry

“Curio.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curio. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of curio for Spanish Speakers

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