CURIOSITY Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

curiosity

noun

ˌkyu̇r-ē-ˈä-s(ə-)tē

Definition of curiosity

as in concern

an eager desire to find out about things that are often none of one's business our neighbor's curiosity about what we were doing last night was really offensive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rarity

something strange or unusual that is an object of interest the museum's curiosities include items constructed entirely out of toothpicks

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in ornamental

a small object displayed for its attractiveness or interest an assortment of curiosities from around the world that the family picked up during various vacations

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in trick

an odd or peculiar habit Charles Dickens typically endowed his characters with an array of endearing curiosities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 curiosity Debate with evidence, listen with curiosity and commit as one team once a decision is made. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 My curiosity around amulets and talismans is something of a contradiction. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026 By the end, Bobby begins to have his own wants, curiosities and desires, Luster said — all filtered through a desperation to help and connect with Dina. — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 The museum acknowledges its reputation as a freak show and, in response, doubles down on the meanings of curiosity. — Daniel Barnum, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curiosity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curiosity

Noun

Mental health experts have voiced concerns about chatbots’ sycophancy, lack of clinical nuance, and ability to reinforce delusional beliefs.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
The deal drew concern from legislators and delivery drivers, who worried about reduced competition.

— Jay Ganglani, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of concern

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

Today, our constructor has reached into his evidently limitless bag of tricks to pull out a doozy of a Thursday grid.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026
The subtle, but unmistakable, undercurrent of apple sweetness struck me as a bit of a magic trick in a bread that, otherwise, to the eye and hand was just a soft white loaf.

— Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of trick

Noun

The mother said she was taken into a room for more questioning while her five-year-old son waited outside.

— Angela Kocherga, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
During subsequent questioning, Ballard made statements that partially hinted at his involvement in the incident, investigators said, according to NHK.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of questioning

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

Browse Nearby Words

curiosities

curiosity

curious

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Curiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curiosity. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of curiosity

noun

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