Definition of curiousnext
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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 Update a profile photo and choose a guiding word for the month, because tiny experiments spark the kind of momentum your curious mind craves. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026 This spot is popular for its specialty margaritas and dishes like Southwestern-style egg rolls, and even has a live web camera of Main Street streaming 24/7 for those curious about Mackinac Island’s happenings. Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026 If a sibling or co-worker interrupts, gently guide the chat back to the point, and pause to ask a curious question that builds trust. Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026 Those curious would find little information in government records and statements. Uriel Blanco, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for curious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curious
Adjective
  • The tools—the ability to automate data production, analyze large datasets, and gain insights faster and faster, married to the number and complexity of challenges, makes now a very rich time to be inquisitive.
    Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
  • Kone, who has no shortage of positive childlike qualities himself, grew super inquisitive.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Truth is stranger than fiction.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 17 June 2026
  • As Photay, Shornstein—a master synthesist and producer—flits between atmospheric house, dubby breakbeat workouts, and chirping electro funk, building his songs’ arrangements into strange, angular shapes.
    Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The lobby is filled with well-to-do patrons, and seeing children in tow is not unusual.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • In the case of the female individual, the authors noted an unusual break at the base of the cranium that likely occurred near the time of death.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The anticipation is so great that a live cam has been placed near the structure that gives a view of the facade so interested parties can watch when the event actually happens.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
  • Students interested in the class must take certain construction classes before enrolling.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Weird neighbors and increasingly bizarre diversions plague every attempt Nameless Hero makes to get down the stairs of his building to the man who’s standing outside.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 June 2026
  • And in a bizarre twist, a criminal investigation has been opened after three dogs were found dead at the travel trailer where mauling victim Jodi Cowan was living at the time of the fatal attack.
    Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to the National Cancer Institute, SEF is so uncommon that there is limited data available about treatment for the disease as well as how many people have it.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
  • Turns out, being conflated with the characters one plays is not uncommon, at least for the TV stars gathered at THR‘s Drama Actors Emmy Roundtable.
    Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • To work with Ed Asner, at that point, how funny would that have been?
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 June 2026
  • There are frequent funny asides and philosophical musings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Curious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curious. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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