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 The curious coincidence drew international attention and accusations of suspicious behavior. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2026 In Cologne, the family is greeted with a small but comfortable new home, and Israa enters a school where her classmates and teachers seem kind and curious to learn more about her. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026 Lavrenov spoke to curious kids and adults, many who shook his hand in appreciation of his grit. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026 The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) enjoys a reputation as a destination for those curious about and interested in discovering new and unusual cinematic voices. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curious
Adjective
  • Inspiration from Architecture Diana Milkanova is inquisitive by nature and has always found inspiration in architecture.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • At the center of the investigation is Bundle (Mia McKenna-Bruce), a sharp and inquisitive young woman unwilling to accept easy explanations.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The choice of Olivier Boscagli at left-back at Fulham, for example, a contributing factor in Chukwueze’s equaliser, was strange.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • In a dispatch from Minneapolis, chaun webster considers the strange familiarity of ICE and the limits of our language.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This time hosted against the dramatic architecture of Verona’s Roman Arena, this ceremony will celebrate the achievements of athletes from around the world, setting an unusual precedent of differing from the location of the opening ceremony.
    Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The film takes some departures from the visual styles found in Pickford’s other films, invoking an unusual tone of despair while deploying camera angles and lighting akin to German Expressionist cinema.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Wang is also interested in replicating the texture and aesthetics of tree bark in jacquard, particularly samples that are etched and carved.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
  • There's no word on delivery for this one, so interested buyers are best contacting the firm directly.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • His work is marked by unusual, even bizarre, material choices that encrust spatial compositions reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s innovative open space plans.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Some unnamed Chicago bartender in the early 1880s had the improbable idea of taking a Whiskey Sour and adding a little red wine to the top, inventing in a bizarre flash of insightone of the great warm weather whiskey drinks of our time.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Snow, ice, and especially strong crosswinds can make driving unpredictable, and whiteouts aren’t uncommon during storms.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
  • This combination of growth and capital returns is uncommon in tech hardware.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 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
  • His sharp, funny, and unexpectedly comforting voice makes the book a joy to read and turns what could feel grim into something liberating.
    Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Roy Keane is clearly a very funny character who everyone is scared of… Then Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are just absolutely filled with football.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Curious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curious. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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