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 The Commonwealths is a multi-sport competition held every four years between member states of the Commonwealth of Nations and their territories, and has become more of a sporting curio in recent iterations, ranking well below the Olympics. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Over the past few years, Sofie Birch has amassed a sparkling catalog of bucolic curios on outré labels. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026 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 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
  • That framing, functional over ornamental, marks a clear departure from the resort-style aesthetic that dominated the late pandemic years.
    — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Late-Modern architect focuses on a sleek design with minimal ornamentals.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of ornamental
Noun
  • Girls playing baseball and their moms coaching them was a rarity in the late 1990s.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond its rarity, the book’s previous owner gave it an intriguing connection to Tolkien’s world.
    — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • Though, to be clear, Jackson Hole is doing a lot more than selling tongue-in-cheek souvenir tees to help protect its natural beauty and authentic character as popularity grows.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The photos, awards and other memorabilia aren’t just souvenirs of his storied career.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of souvenir
Noun
  • By 2018, the F50 had reportedly been acquired by Chinese billionaire and Instagram influencer Shin Mike Yin, who houses his collection of rare exotics—including a few examples from Pagani and Bugatti—in Dusseldorf, Germany.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026
  • There was clearly a market for exotics on a budget and sans passport.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of exotic
Noun
  • There are better ways to bring fun and novelty to this show than reenacting old RHONY GIFs.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The horror film follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a shy young man desperate to escape the friend zone, who uses a novelty item called the One Wish Willow to wish that his crush, Nikki, would love him more than anyone else in the world.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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