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

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

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 However, color-curious homeowners might be itching to go against convention—and French gives you her blessing to think outside of the box. — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026 While Curiosity has seen other curious geometric patterns on Mars before, scientists were surprised by this most recent find. — Brett Tingley, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2026 The Carolina Panthers are two weeks into training camp and with a handful of notable injuries to monitor, fans are naturally curious about the future of their favorite football franchise. — Mike Kaye august 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026 There are the curious cases of Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curious

Adjective

Growing out of your expert image means becoming the most inquisitive and empowering person in the room instead of the most impressive one.

— Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
With his caring heart, inquisitive mind, and joyful spirit, Adam has so much to offer.

— CBS News, CBS News, 29 July 2026

Definition of inquisitive

Adjective

Investigators later ruled out trains and power lines as possible causes — and traced the fire’s point of origin to the same spot Child witnessed the man’s strange behavior.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
And Dad actually makes an uncredited vocal cameo on one of the album’s more blessedly strange tracks.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of strange

Adjective

The conflict played out under the watchful eye of Johnson’s senior adviser, Jason Lee — an unusual involvement for a high-ranking mayoral staffer, given that the $8 million grant is administered by a separate department.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
Guerrero’s struggles have been particularly noticeable, creating an unusual disconnect between his superstar status and his production.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

Yeow added that Meghan was particularly interested in learning more about the competitors.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
Her father hoped to buy out his siblings, who lived in different parts of the country and weren't interested in keeping the property.

— Sharon Epperson,Stephanie Dhue, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of interested

Adjective

Years earlier at her former lab in Ohio, chromosomes in mouse eggs and embryos began dividing in bizarre ways, creating the kinds of genetic errors that can lead to Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders.

— Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Her videos were outrageous and conspiratorial, and the more elaborate and bizarre her stories became, the more people online were drawn to her.

— Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of bizarre

Adjective

Performance reviews under the CZMA are not uncommon — most states are subject to a routine review every five to 10 years — but what’s unusual in this case is that California had just undergone a review during the Biden administration.

— Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
But nobody can prove how uncommon, because the ones that arrive with a gag order never appear in anybody’s count.

— Michael Leone, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of uncommon

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.

— Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 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.

— Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin, oregonlive, 4 Feb. 2023

Definition of prying

Adjective

Bitingly funny in its comedy and wistful in its drama, the film rests on the delicate performance of newcomer Verma, a diminutive, age-appropriate actor who molds Ilyas in captivating ways.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
There are also funny cameos from Pete Davidson and Bobby Cannavale, both used well.

— Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of funny

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“Curious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curious. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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