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

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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 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