1
as in inquisitive
interested in what is not one's own business
curious neighbors peered out of their windows as the new people moved in
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in strange
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion
that's a pretty curious coincidence—almost too curious to be believed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unusual
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced
that is one of the most curious paintings I've ever seen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of curious
His neighbors actually seemed curious.
—
Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2026
Dokoupil's response was curious.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Beverages, perfume, medicines, elixirs, and more, the glass containers ended up in the woods, only to be found many decades later by those curious about who had left them there.
—Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
Schlossberg will be remembered as a passionate environmental journalist, curious author, and loving mother, wife, daughter, and friend.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for curious
Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2026
Dokoupil's response was curious.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Beverages, perfume, medicines, elixirs, and more, the glass containers ended up in the woods, only to be found many decades later by those curious about who had left them there.
—Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
Schlossberg will be remembered as a passionate environmental journalist, curious author, and loving mother, wife, daughter, and friend.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for curious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curious
Adjective
-
Tan carpeting ran up the walls and windows to keep out the sun and any inquisitive eyes.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
31 Dec. 2025
-
My core goal every year is always to level up as a father, husband, friend and colleague — a task made much more accomplishable by my endlessly inquisitive six-year-old daughter and phenomenal wife.—
Becky Bartkowski,
AZCentral.com,
27 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The sounds had become a strange new normal for the diverse Central neighborhood.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
10 Jan. 2026
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And there was a strange preoccupation with running out of time, even though the show ended a good 15 minutes early as if the performers didn’t understand their own timeline.—
Matthew J. Palm,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This translation by Nancy Naomi Carlson preserves the rich musicality of the original French, as well as its frequent use of wordplay and often unusual word choice.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Ostrich Leather Recognizable by its distinctive quill pattern and supple texture, ostrich leather combines durability with an unusual kind of beauty.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Findings connected to Ancient Rome continue to provide compelling insights not just for scientists and academics, but for interested travelers and the public at large.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Feed is a development program for younger drivers interested in Formula 4 racing.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Even its star, Kim Kardashian, is leaning into the bizarre criticism, posting photos on Instagram of herself laughing along with the rest of the cast, interspersed with scathing reviews.—
Rebecca Aizin,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
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And calls like Payton’s bizarre third-and-1 trick play involving Courtland Sutton — a double pass that never came to be — aren’t helping.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Engineers with PennDOT said the slide sent debris across both lanes of I-79 in an area where landslides are not uncommon.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Serious side effects are uncommon, but high-dose treatment for deficiency can occasionally cause low potassium levels.—
Karen Berger,
Verywell Health,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But inquiring into the specifics of familial dynamics is impudent and prying -- and a line of questioning that most people would be happy to avoid answering themselves.—
Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin,
oregonlive,
4 Feb. 2023
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But inquiring into the specifics of familial dynamics is impudent and prying — and a line of questioning that most people would be happy to avoid answering themselves.—
Jacobina Martin,
Washington Post,
4 Feb. 2023
Adjective
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To the contrary, though the film is frequently funny, Brewer takes their ambitions and reversals seriously.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Hockey is a funny game sometimes.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Curious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curious. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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