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
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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
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
The at-home microbiome test has become one of wellness culture’s favorite curiosities.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 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
Dinosaurs are no longer occasional curiosities tucked into natural history sales.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026
In fact, there were a lot of pretty curiosities to ogle at, bursting with color and fun costume-party energy (note the many party hats).
—Ari Stark, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
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
The at-home microbiome test has become one of wellness culture’s favorite curiosities.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 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
Dinosaurs are no longer occasional curiosities tucked into natural history sales.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026
In fact, there were a lot of pretty curiosities to ogle at, bursting with color and fun costume-party energy (note the many party hats).
—Ari Stark, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curiosities
Noun
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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.—
SPIN Staff,
SPIN,
16 June 2026
-
Lucky beachcombers may even come across rarities like Scotch bonnet and moon snails.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Many of the plants on this list can be interplanted with ornamentals in garden beds and around your patio or deck.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 June 2026
-
This substance, aptly named powdery mildew, is a common fungus that affects an array of ornamentals, vegetables, and herbs.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
One of my nerdiest hip-hop fan instincts is trying to catch the subtle ways production tricks and flows migrate from one city to the next, like an invasive species.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
16 June 2026
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One of his greatest joys was performing magic tricks alongside his granddaughter.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Noun
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There are thousands of different novelties, knick-knacks and souvenirs here.—
John Lauritsen,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
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Dollar Tree, Dollar General and Family Dollar all stock cooking tools, small appliances and storage helpers that go beyond cheap plastic novelties, and a handful are genuinely worth grabbing on your next run.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Low curiosity, low humility, low openness to feedback — these are precisely the traits that both predict the need for change and predict resistance to it.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
Cooper says personality traits, brain chemistry, past experiences and social context may all play a part.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
The olive oil bottles make for great gifts and souvenirs, so pick up a few to take home with you.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2026
-
There are thousands of different novelties, knick-knacks and souvenirs here.—
John Lauritsen,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
According to the researchers, characteristics that reliably convey useful information can become increasingly important if other species benefit from responding to them.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
20 June 2026
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That debate has sharpened after the Fifth Circuit’s decision in Sirius Solutions, which rejected the IRS’s emphasis on a taxpayer’s active participation and instead focused on the statute and the legal characteristics of limited partner status, including liability protection.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
A lot of ornaments and tinsel on the Christmas tree.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
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But early last Saturday evening, two bullets shattered the glass between displays of Christmas ornaments and dining plates.—
Matt Viser,
The Atlantic,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Curiosities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curiosities. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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