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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curio
  1. ornamental
  2. rarity
  3. souvenir
  4. exotic
  5. novelty
  6. knickknack
Noun
  • Multipurpose nasturtiums can be grown for their edible flowers and leaves, or enjoyed as pollinator-friendly ornamentals.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Otherwise, use of a fungicide labeled for rust control on ornamentals would be helpful.
    — Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025
Definition of ornamental
Noun
  • Season 2 was a vast improvement, however, which is a rarity in TV.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The world’s biggest clubs breaking their revenue records is hardly a rarity, but the extent of the improvement in their case was remarkable: turnover hit £616.6million in 2023-24, an annual increase of £150m, nearly a third.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • 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
  • Insider tip The hotel’s Stéphanie Carpentier says there are two liquid souvenirs no one should leave without: a beer from local microbrewery Socca Bièra, which uses chickpeas in its ingredient list, and a fragrance from Molinard, a perfumery dating back to the 1800s.
    — Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of souvenir
Noun
  • 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
  • The fish species are in constant flux, and this location is often dominated by exotics.
    — Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of exotic
Noun
  • Some people love familiarity, and some people love novelty.
    — Sam Yellowhorse Kesler, NPR, 12 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Definition of novelty
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of knickknack

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“Curio.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curio. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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