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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curios
Noun
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Another garden mainstay, marigolds bloom from early summer through fall, and they're cherished as ornamentals as well as pest-repelling companion plants.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Backman is one of the rarities.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
31 Aug. 2025
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But ambitious ones have become rarities, much like long magazine features and serious documentaries, surviving either as luxuries created by the privileged few or as labors of love made in the margins by committed independents who will work to keep the form alive.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Crypto and alternative assets are no longer novelties; they’re seamlessly woven into modern financial habits.—
Murad Salikhov,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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Who knew if these roles were flukes — one-offs, novelties — or if Jerry Adler would defy the odds stacked up against any actor, much less a sexagenarian new to the game, and continue to find work in his newfound profession.—
Howard Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The 1950s saw the scientific community dismiss neural networks as theoretical curiosities.—
Sadhasivam Mohanadas,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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This transit is all about DIY energy, too, so embrace your curiosities.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Sarah Michelle Gellar has plenty of souvenirs from the '90s.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Parker Ashton-Youngs Longmont, CO Parker bought these earrings at the base of Kilimanjaro, proving that adventure souvenirs always make for stellar accessories.—
Matt Nager,
Outside,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
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However, enjoying all these wonders won't come cheap, with the highest prices for gym memberships, movie tickets, public transportation and meals out.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
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Reconnecting with the beauty, awe and wonders of life within and around us informs our senses, perceptions, thoughts and actions as well as improving our well-being.—
Jessica DuLong,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Their distinctive products include lowball tumblers, decanters, and pitchers as well as decor like holiday ornaments.—
Caroline Rogers,
Southern Living,
31 Aug. 2025
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Start by selecting a focal point, such as the Grand Duchess Tree or a statement yard piece, then build around it using garlands, mini trees, or complementary ornaments.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Junk in the Trunk sale will feature more than 46 vendors with treasures, trinkets and more.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
30 Aug. 2025
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Charlie Hunnam will play the notorious murderer who, among other things, fashioned trinkets and furniture out of the corpses from robbed graves.—
Lucy Ford,
Time,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Curios.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curios. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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