CURIOUS Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'curious' contrast with its synonyms?

The words inquisitive and prying are common synonyms of curious . While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," curious , a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know. // children are curious about everything

Q: When could 'inquisitive' be used to replace 'curious'?

The words inquisitive and curious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing. // dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

Q: When is 'prying' a more appropriate choice than 'curious'?

The synonyms prying and curious are sometimes interchangeable, but prying implies busy meddling and officiousness. // prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

curious

adjective

ˈkyu̇r-ē-əs

Definition of curious

as in inquisitive

interested in what is not one's own business curious neighbors peered out of their windows as the new people moved in

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strange

different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion that's a pretty curious coincidence—almost too curious to be believed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unusual

noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced that is one of the most curious paintings I've ever seen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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curious people

inquisitive people

adventurous people

fascinated people

interested people

concerned people

a curious situation

a peculiar situation

an intriguing situation

a mysterious situation

a fascinating situation

an interesting situation

a curious mixture

an unusual mixture

a strange mixture

a surprising mixture

a clever mixture

a bizarre mixture

a curious look

a peculiar look

a puzzled look

a contemplative look

a suspicious look

an uncertain look

curious onlookers

nosy onlookers

enthralled onlookers

anxious onlookers

eager onlookers

inquisitive onlookers

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective curious contrast with its synonyms?

The words inquisitive and prying are common synonyms of curious. While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," curious, a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know.

children are curious about everything

When could inquisitive be used to replace curious?

The words inquisitive and curious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing.

dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

When is prying a more appropriate choice than curious?

The synonyms prying and curious are sometimes interchangeable, but prying implies busy meddling and officiousness.

prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

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 curious The snout of a curious whale and the muzzle of a four-legged sentry came oh-so close. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025 Recalled sausage should be returned to the store for a full refund or thrown in the trash too deep for overly curious pets to get into it. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2025 Chargers' Jim Harbaugh gives his thoughts on controversial 'tush push' The veteran head coach currently views the Philadelphia Eagles' famed play as simply football, but is curious to see how a rule change vote goes on it. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Next, encourage team members to be curious about different perspectives, dive into data and stories, consider multiple categories of the problem, and clarify the objectives. —Chris Williams, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curious

Adjective

Alligator is permissible to eat on Fridays during Lent, the archbishop of New Orleans told an inquisitive parishioner who once sent a letter to the religious leader seeking clarification, according to the Catholic News Agency.

— Peter Burke, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Disney’s live-action film has become so fraught with controversy that the premiere on March 15 will be scaled back and exclude pesky, inquisitive press from the red carpet.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025