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
Relevance
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
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 curios
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
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
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
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
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
-
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
-
While some of these films are more accessible than his earlier homegrown curiosities, none of them feel like sellout moves.—
A.A. Dowd,
Vulture,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Founded in 1791, Vermont is a goldmine of historic landmarks and curiosities.—
Megan Margulies,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
What kind of modern and interactive souvenirs could align with Como’s mission?—
Molly Guthrey,
Twin Cities,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Appealing to consumers searching for a piece of history, the store has gained a following of visitors hunting for unique souvenirs, designers on inspiration trips and local eccentrics.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
As the weather quickly cools, swapping your sheets can do wonders for your sleep.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Playing well as a rim-runner/excelling in the pick-and-roll will do wonders for him.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
More than 200 ornaments created by children and adults with developmental disabilities will adorn the state Christmas tree, furnished courtesy of the state Department of Developmental Services.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Arachnologists have debated the function of these ornaments for decades.—
Andrea Tamayo,
Scientific American,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Their trinkets are elaborate, crafted.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Recent discoveries show the one-time Homo sapien competitors were creative enough to craft stone multitools and even collect small trinkets.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Curios.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curios. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share