CURIOUS Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'curious' contrast with its synonyms?

The words inquisitive and prying are common synonyms of curious . While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," curious , a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know. // children are curious about everything

Q: When could 'inquisitive' be used to replace 'curious'?

The words inquisitive and curious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing. // dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

Q: When is 'prying' a more appropriate choice than 'curious'?

The synonyms prying and curious are sometimes interchangeable, but prying implies busy meddling and officiousness. // prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

curious

adjective

ˈkyu̇r-ē-əs

Definition of curious next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective curious contrast with its synonyms?

The words inquisitive and prying are common synonyms of curious. While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," curious, a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know.

children are curious about everything

When could inquisitive be used to replace curious?

The words inquisitive and curious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing.

dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

When is prying a more appropriate choice than curious?

The synonyms prying and curious are sometimes interchangeable, but prying implies busy meddling and officiousness.

prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

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 curious Hannah Lee is curious to see how much business the new Beltline stretch will bring. —

Emily McLeod, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026 Fittingly enough for a road trip, three of the sites are made of old cars arranged in curious formations. —

John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026 The big picture Let’s take January results as a curious window into the state of the economy in early 2026. —

Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026 Stay curious, but don’t lose yourself. —

Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curious

Adjective

While figs are generally considered deer-resistant, young trees may still face damage from inquisitive deer.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 Apr. 2026
Izabella, who also goes by Izzy, is a wonderful girl with an inquisitive, outgoing, and confident personality.

— MARE Staff, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026