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
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Recent Examples of curio
Black Emperor—and Freedom, the record that crystallized McMahon’s songwriting and elevated Amen Dunes beyond its origins as a reliquary of underground curios.
—
Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2024
Along one wall, a deep-brown curio cabinet full of tchotchkes and crystal is the resting place for Wells’ trove of speculative fiction awards.
—Meghan Herbst, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024
Yesterday’s Treasures sells an array of curios and ephemera, including local art, vintage postcards and old Provincetown publications.
—Brett Sokol, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2024
Usually, a movie shot like this is either a curio or a catastrophe, too practiced and deliberate to ever be spontaneous or convincing.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for curio
Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2024
Along one wall, a deep-brown curio cabinet full of tchotchkes and crystal is the resting place for Wells’ trove of speculative fiction awards.
—Meghan Herbst, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024
Yesterday’s Treasures sells an array of curios and ephemera, including local art, vintage postcards and old Provincetown publications.
—Brett Sokol, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2024
Usually, a movie shot like this is either a curio or a catastrophe, too practiced and deliberate to ever be spontaneous or convincing.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for curio
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curio
Noun
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Otherwise, use of a fungicide labeled for rust control on ornamentals would be helpful.—
Tom MacCubbin,
Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2025
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Plant a productive space that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and includes edible plants as well as ornamentals.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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While most in the profession change jobs every few years for better opportunities and more pay, Olen is a rarity in a cutthroat, competitive industry.—
Tim Casey,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
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The fan version of Rotom will also be a rarity because the Plasma Pokemon usually makes appearances during special events.—
Gieson Cacho,
The Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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While many tourists in Istanbul marvel at the Hagia Sophia or explore the Grand Bazaar, Mark Pollard had a different kind of souvenir in mind: a fuller head of hair.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
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These foldable totes take up minimal space and weight in your bag, yet can serve many different purposes, including that of a beach bag, wet bag for swimsuits, grocery bag, or extra shopping bag for souvenirs.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The Future of Luxury Is American For decades, automotive status symbols have been dictated by a European vision of luxury: low-slung exotics that demand pristine roads and attract as much attention as possible.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 Mar. 2025
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The fish species are in constant flux, and this location is often dominated by exotics.—
Alan Taylor,
The Atlantic,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Some people love familiarity, and some people love novelty.—
Sam Yellowhorse Kesler,
NPR,
12 Mar. 2025
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Disneyland rolls out 12 Star Wars popcorn buckets and collectible novelties The digital nature of the carnival midway-style games always meant Imagineering could update the Toy Story dark ride with new games and seasonal overlays, which has been done on other attractions.—
Brady MacDonald,
Orange County Register,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Once the candle is burned, the smaller vessels could be used for knickknacks and the larger ones could double as plant holders. Got My Eye on You Who doesn’t need a little protection — or a lot?—
Alix Strauss,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2025
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The ceiling panels are scuffed, the walls are decorated with movie posters, and the desks are dotted with equipment, knickknacks, and struggling houseplants.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Curio.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curio. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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