1
as in ornamentals
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 rarities
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
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Recent Examples of curios
In addition to books there will be jewelry, curios, knick-knacks, puzzles and more.
—
Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025
Advertisement While most fish-out-of-water stories are keen to highlight the strangeness of the world in which the protagonist has embedded themselves, Rental Family treats the curios of Japanese culture with the utmost respect and a naturalistic approach.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 21 Nov. 2025
Frankenstein was even part of the dark ’n’ gritty action-horror hybrid trend of the 2010s, bringing us weird curios like Frankenstein’s Army (2013) and I, Frankenstein (2014).
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Made in Ancient Egypt, which opened this month at Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum, features commemorative stela, golden coffins and masks, and sundry curios created in a style that changed very little down the centuries.
—Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
But more and more, Black List darlings wind up as buzzy Netflix curios like They Cloned Tyrone and May December.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
The business, which also includes a restaurant and a gift shop filled with Native American jewelry and other curios, largely depends on visitors to the national park.
—Ryan Heinsius, NPR, 22 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
Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025
Advertisement While most fish-out-of-water stories are keen to highlight the strangeness of the world in which the protagonist has embedded themselves, Rental Family treats the curios of Japanese culture with the utmost respect and a naturalistic approach.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 21 Nov. 2025
Frankenstein was even part of the dark ’n’ gritty action-horror hybrid trend of the 2010s, bringing us weird curios like Frankenstein’s Army (2013) and I, Frankenstein (2014).
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Made in Ancient Egypt, which opened this month at Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum, features commemorative stela, golden coffins and masks, and sundry curios created in a style that changed very little down the centuries.
—Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
But more and more, Black List darlings wind up as buzzy Netflix curios like They Cloned Tyrone and May December.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
The business, which also includes a restaurant and a gift shop filled with Native American jewelry and other curios, largely depends on visitors to the national park.
—Ryan Heinsius, NPR, 22 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curios
Noun
-
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
Noun
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Oh Boy Records plans premium digital releases of Prine’s music, as well as other rarities and collectibles to be announced.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
6 Oct. 2025
-
There will raffles and games for test pressings, rarities and other prizes.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Admittedly, this may delight a curious gardener who enjoys seeing what novelties a volunteer plant can produce.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Although both could be compelling novelties, neither improves the game.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The surfers, initially viewed by some as welcome curiosities and by others as nuisances, became harbingers of economic salvation through tourism, now the dominant industry, though still a relatively new one.—
David Amsden,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The Bunker twins, who arrived in Wilkes County in 1839, quickly became a sensation and the subject of the town’s curiosities.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The shop even offers other fun souvenirs like clothing, home décor, and gifts.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
When your friends or family head out to hit the slopes, get dressed up in your winter clothes and hit the trail, or hike into town to get some fresh air and some fun souvenirs.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Plus, the kit comes with ornaments, candles, and a star for the full festive experience.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Creating warmth, coziness, and tradition means layering in the personal touches — the kids’ ornaments, family photos, and holiday pillows — that make our home feel both nostalgic and uniquely ours.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Each one also contains an assortment of high-end trinkets to open daily in the lead-up to December 25, helping your giftees tap into childlike whimsy for the holiday season.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
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From a gift of Elizabeth Taylor’s ring, bestowed on Allura, by her cheating younger husband, to $40 million worth of trinkets that Liberty helps salvage from her Upper East Side client wanting a divorce.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Portland artist Maggie Rudy has a knack for knickknacks.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
6 Dec. 2025
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Among the totems, knickknacks, and ephemera in Will Shortz’s home-cum-museum, and one of his favorite items, is a copy of the 1924 book inscribed by Dick Simon and Max Schuster, sent to its source of inspiration.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Curios.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curios. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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