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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In 1910, a high school diploma was a rarity in the United States, the province of elites destined to be ministers, doctors, or lawyers.—
Matthew J. Slaughter,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
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Banks herself rose through the ranks in the early 1990s, when Black high-fashion models on the runway and in magazines were still a rarity.—
Essence,
Essence,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Molaro provided his show souvenir: the Cooper tea dish.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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There are upscale shops and spots to get souvenirs unique to the Royal Hawaiian.—
Robin Raven,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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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
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There’s another, subtler way to work exotics into a tailored ensemble: as an accessory.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Discovery’s vast library including Harry Potter, FRIENDS, Seinfeld, Ted Lasso, and more across the preschool, plush, dolls, vehicles, games, and novelty toy categories.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
27 Feb. 2025
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Betting on the most popular NFL games and props, and offseason events like the NFL Combine and draft along with novelty props and political wagering is big business.—
Jay Ginsbach,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 2025.
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