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
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
At her house in Harrison County, Theresa Brandenburg keeps a small wooden curio box.
—Sarah Henry, The Courier-Journal, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for curio
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
At her house in Harrison County, Theresa Brandenburg keeps a small wooden curio box.
—Sarah Henry, The Courier-Journal, 8 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
-
For him, the rarity of the syndrome was the hardest part to process.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
-
West is a rarity as the first star high school quarterback with NHL potential in more than a decade.—
Scott Powers,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
According to the New York Post, visitors broke off parts of the headstone as souvenirs.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Entry fees vary and include a goody bag, souvenir shirt and finisher medal.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
European exotics were also present.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
-
European exotics were also present.—
Keenan Thompson,
Freep.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
What Happens Next The novelty of a new item like the Southwest Queso could bring in many new and old customers alike, boosting revenue for the brand.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Seeking out the world’s rarest novelties is one of Prosper Assouline‘s greatest passions.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Shop knickknacks, pillow covers, lights, and more of the best Halloween decor deals for up to 57 percent off now.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Cracker Barrel had plans to remodel its restaurant with a simpler layout, getting rid of some of the clutter, antiques and knickknacks the chain was known for.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Curio.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curio. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share