1
as in rarities
something strange or unusual that is an object of interest
the museum's curiosities include items constructed entirely out of toothpicks
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2
as in ornamentals
a small object displayed for its attractiveness or interest
an assortment of curiosities from around the world that the family picked up during various vacations
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in tricks
an odd or peculiar habit
Charles Dickens typically endowed his characters with an array of endearing curiosities
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Recent Examples of curiosities
Though long bypassed by interstates, the historic highway, home of scenic vistas and roadside curiosities, continues to attract travelers searching for an America of yesterday.
—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
The at-home microbiome test has become one of wellness culture’s favorite curiosities.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
The interiors are colorful and layered, with patterned wallpaper, statement carpeting, bold tile, and shelves dotted with curiosities that reward a second (and third) look.
—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
24 June 2026
This one-of-a-kind woman heads the collection founded in its day by Emile Hermès (1871–1951)—an extraordinary cabinet of curiosities whose doors are occasionally opened to a select few on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
—
Pierre Groppo,
Vanity Fair,
19 June 2026
Another that sort of fits into the category of ‘kit curiosities’ is Brazil, who actually wore white with a blue trim until the 1950s, rather than the yellow that has become iconic since.
—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Among other curiosities were Matthew Howard and Joseph Pereira cheerfully pulverizing Philip Glass’ Fantasy Concerto for Two Timpanists and Orchestra, as well as Boris Allakhverdyan suavely ghosting jazz legend Artie Shaw in his Clarinet Concerto.
—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Each area has unique touches, almost like a collection of curiosities.
—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
In a matter of months, unmanned vehicles have gone from rare frontline curiosities to standard issue.
—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
David Morgan,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
The at-home microbiome test has become one of wellness culture’s favorite curiosities.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
The interiors are colorful and layered, with patterned wallpaper, statement carpeting, bold tile, and shelves dotted with curiosities that reward a second (and third) look.
—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
24 June 2026
This one-of-a-kind woman heads the collection founded in its day by Emile Hermès (1871–1951)—an extraordinary cabinet of curiosities whose doors are occasionally opened to a select few on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
—
Pierre Groppo,
Vanity Fair,
19 June 2026
Another that sort of fits into the category of ‘kit curiosities’ is Brazil, who actually wore white with a blue trim until the 1950s, rather than the yellow that has become iconic since.
—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Among other curiosities were Matthew Howard and Joseph Pereira cheerfully pulverizing Philip Glass’ Fantasy Concerto for Two Timpanists and Orchestra, as well as Boris Allakhverdyan suavely ghosting jazz legend Artie Shaw in his Clarinet Concerto.
—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Each area has unique touches, almost like a collection of curiosities.
—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
In a matter of months, unmanned vehicles have gone from rare frontline curiosities to standard issue.
—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curiosities
Noun
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In his one-year-old West Hollywood restaurant Darling, a large listening bar is centered in the middle of the airy room, the plywood shelves filled with rarities from Dolly Parton to Merle Haggard…and sometimes a touch of Madonna.
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In related news, after years of licensing issues, the group’s 50-track rarities collection Useless Trinkets has recently returned to streaming platforms.
Noun
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While the company has changed its product over the years, from produce to ornamentals, he's always grown to serve his local community.
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Many of the plants on this list can be interplanted with ornamentals in garden beds and around your patio or deck.
Noun
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This month was all about the art choices—and a couple clever tricks, too.
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Consider the four tricks designers keep up their sleeves for this exact situation.
Noun
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The 2026 edition was one for the books, with a record 66 houses showcasing their latest novelties to around 60,000 visitors in Geneva and nearly 1 billion online.
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The organizations that treat these tools as durable, governable infrastructure, rather than novelties, will be the ones that turn AI potential into measurable progress.
Noun
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The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.
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Despite numerous myths, a cat's fur color does not impact its personality traits.
Noun
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In the 1890s, Henry Flagler’s crews leveled a massive burial mound to build his Royal Palm hotel across the river, selling skulls as souvenirs and dumping the rest of the human remains into a sinkhole, never since found.
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And of course, there’s a gift shop to take home some souvenirs.
Noun
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Due to her limited knowledge of the lore, there were characteristics that guided her transformation.
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Three months later, the Supreme Court voted to allow immigration agents to stop people based on racial or ethnic characteristics while still-ongoing litigation against it proceeded.
Noun
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Hallmark and Disney will also release a collection of goodies inspired by the movie, including greeting cards, ornaments, gifts, gift wrap and other unique products.
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These popular plants are superb, long-lasting garden ornaments.
Cite this Entry
“Curiosities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curiosities. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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