curio

noun

ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌō How to pronounce curio (audio)
Definition of curionext
1
as in ornamental
a small object displayed for its attractiveness or interest be careful of the fragile curios on the end tables

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in rarity
something strange or unusual that is an object of interest a museum's collection of curios brought back from the Far East by 19th-century traders

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 curio Like many a limited series, The Offer faded in our collective memories, its bizarro ’70s pop history a curio of 2022. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 July 2026 The villas are filled with books, instruments, games, curios and thoughtful details that suggest actual living rather than generic hospitality design. — Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 15 June 2026 Colleen keeps a curio cabinet full of mementos of a baby loved in her all too short life and beyond. — Edie Kasten, CBS News, 6 June 2026 From room to room walls are covered in blue block prints or hot-pink illustrations of pear trees, while floors are scattered with artisanal rugs and a collection of curios—a rooster statue, a floral dress form—is hidden all over. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for curio
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curio
  1. ornamental
  2. rarity
  3. souvenir
  4. exotic
  5. novelty
  6. knickknack
Noun
  • Late-Modern architect focuses on a sleek design with minimal ornamentals.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 Sep. 2026
  • While this group of pathogens has an extensive range of hosts, it is often observed on woody ornamentals—viburnum or rhododendron, for example—and trees like dogwood or maple.
    — Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of ornamental
Noun
  • Just let that sink in for a little bit, because in today's day and age, the Bruins being anywhere close to the top-25 in football is a rarity.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Meir presented a how-to video for curly-haired spacewomen like herself, while Hathaway kept his bushy mustache — a space rarity — groomed to perfection.
    — Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • One block north is Marion Square and the weekend farmer’s market for all sorts of nibbles and souvenirs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • More closely associated with its long history with music, streetwear, or chintzy souvenir T-shirts tinged with childhood family vacation memories, this DIY technique is popping up across the major runways from Margiela to Dries Van Noten and beyond.
    — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of souvenir
Noun
  • There was clearly a market for exotics on a budget and sans passport.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike most six‑figure exotics that depreciate as predictably as the setting sun, the 911 has behaved like a blue‑chip asset, giving owners confidence that their purchase rested on unusually solid financial ground.
    — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of exotic
Noun
  • Be careful not to scare or surprise anyone with a novelty color-changing bath mat who could potentially fall or injure themselves.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Geneva Watch Days ran ahead like clockwork from September 2 to 6, with at least a dozen novelties introduced across the five-day affair.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of novelty
Noun
  • Arrow Rock Antiques & Mercantile is stocked with vintage knickknacks and home decor items.
    — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Décor To complement wall art, look for knickknacks and small décor items, such as statues, decorative trays, faux plants, and ceramic pieces.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of knickknack

Browse Nearby Words

curing
curio
curios
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Cite this Entry

“Curio.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curio. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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