variants
also nicknacks
as in ornamentals
a small object displayed for its attractiveness or interest
a variety of pretty porcelain knickknacks adorned the mantel
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of knickknacks
Displaying knickknacks on trays is one easy way to corral visual clutter, and sticking to a limited color palette throughout your home will make your other design choices look more intentional.
—
Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Portland artist Maggie Rudy has a knack for knickknacks.
—Air Mail, 6 Dec. 2025
Among the totems, knickknacks, and ephemera in Will Shortz’s home-cum-museum, and one of his favorite items, is a copy of the 1924 book inscribed by Dick Simon and Max Schuster, sent to its source of inspiration.
—Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025
Plant, half a century removed from Golden God status, even found some space to bustle the hedgerows of NPR’s knickknacks and shelves during the instrumental breaks.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2025
Out with trendy gadgets, fast fashion and clutter-creating décor or knickknacks – things that feel exciting in the moment but are quickly forgotten.
—Michael Luchs, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 2025
Read on to shop our picks for the best stocking stuffers and mini delights for this holiday season—including sweet treats, cold-weather accessories, and charming knickknacks.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 2025
Plus, the top is ideal for displaying decor like family photos or knickknacks.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025
With six tiers and two extra shelves at the base, there’s room to show off your favorite reads, plus a plant or a couple knickknacks.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Portland artist Maggie Rudy has a knack for knickknacks.
—Air Mail, 6 Dec. 2025
Among the totems, knickknacks, and ephemera in Will Shortz’s home-cum-museum, and one of his favorite items, is a copy of the 1924 book inscribed by Dick Simon and Max Schuster, sent to its source of inspiration.
—Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025
Plant, half a century removed from Golden God status, even found some space to bustle the hedgerows of NPR’s knickknacks and shelves during the instrumental breaks.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2025
Out with trendy gadgets, fast fashion and clutter-creating décor or knickknacks – things that feel exciting in the moment but are quickly forgotten.
—Michael Luchs, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 2025
Read on to shop our picks for the best stocking stuffers and mini delights for this holiday season—including sweet treats, cold-weather accessories, and charming knickknacks.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 2025
Plus, the top is ideal for displaying decor like family photos or knickknacks.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025
With six tiers and two extra shelves at the base, there’s room to show off your favorite reads, plus a plant or a couple knickknacks.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knickknacks
Noun
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Update ornamentals This is THE time of year to add new plants to your garden — or plant a completely new garden.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Dec. 2025
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But while many edibles and ornamentals make good companions for apples and other fruit trees, some plants just don't belong in your backyard orchard.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There’s much to look forward to—the novelties due to come out at LVMH’s 2026 Watch Week in Milan later this month, for starters—but also much to fret over.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
7 Jan. 2026
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The hero of the book’s first section is the sixteenth-century Spanish priest and writer Bartolomé de las Casas, who straddled the Old World and the New, issuing startling moral novelties to both.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
25 Dec. 2025
Noun
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For three years now, the farm has served their Nigerian Pygmy goats donated Christmas trees; free of ornaments, tinsel, and any other side dish, of course.—
Noel Brennan,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Simply remove the ornaments and use a waterproof bag to keep the tree from getting dusty or mildewed during months of storage.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The shop even offers other fun souvenirs like clothing, home décor, and gifts.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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When your friends or family head out to hit the slopes, get dressed up in your winter clothes and hit the trail, or hike into town to get some fresh air and some fun souvenirs.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The space doubles as a concept store specializing in everything Japandi (a blend of Scandinavian functionality and Japanese minimalism), such as incense from Japan’s Awaji Island and chrome desktop tchotchkes.—
Chris Schalkx,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
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During Ghost Month, the seventh month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, auctioneers sell seemingly ordinary items—backpacks, calculators, tchotchkes—imbued with a spiritual charge thought to bring good luck.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
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But there are some amusing additions to her particular collection of trinkets, too.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
12 Jan. 2026
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With sturdy construction, ample shelf space, and glass doors, china cabinets are excellent for storing and displaying delicate china sets, trinkets, decorative plates, heirloom decor, and more.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knickknacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knickknacks. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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