curious

adjective

ˈkyu̇r-ē-əs How to pronounce curious (audio)
Definition of curiousnext
1
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
2
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
3
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

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 camera can nod, shake, and appear curious, giving off major Wall-E vibes. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026 The narrator, though curious to speak herself, is finally repelled. — Maya Binyam, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026 Horn’s rookie season was one of the most curious seasons in the locker room last year. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2026 For future research, scientists such as Marcus, Cornelis and Kamangar are curious about which of coffee’s thousands of compounds cause different health outcomes and what happens when non-coffee drinkers introduce the beverage into their diet. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curious
  1. inquisitive
  2. strange
  3. unusual
  4. interested
  5. bizarre
  6. uncommon
  7. prying
  8. funny
Adjective
  • Growing out of your expert image means becoming the most inquisitive and empowering person in the room instead of the most impressive one.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • With his caring heart, inquisitive mind, and joyful spirit, Adam has so much to offer.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 29 July 2026
Definition of inquisitive
Adjective
  • The explanation behind this family man’s strange case is well chronicled in many Chicago and New York news stories.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Symptoms include anxiety, hypervigilance, confusion and mania, and taking on activities that might be considered strange.
    — Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • At the recommendation of assistant director of player personnel Jason Stein, the Mets signed Yan to a two-year minor-league deal, an unusual contract for a healthy pitcher.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Her parents approach sexuality head on, almost with glee, which is certainly unusual for their time and place.
    — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Very opinionated and articulate, and seems more interested in the idea behind the idea, rather than the actual idea itself.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Nothing good, presumably, though Terry is at least pretending to be interested in Bret’s script.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of interested
Adjective
  • But Ecuadorian authorities have remained mostly silent about the bizarre incidents.
    — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Bobby’s color palette is bizarre, and her idea of a sash that transforms into a shawl scarf is really cool but executed poorly.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • This is uncommon compared to other mental health issues new moms face — postpartum depression, for example, is estimated to affect about 10% of mothers.
    — Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
  • There is too much going on here for this novel to work, but Andersen is an uncommon writer, a skilled historical novelist as well as an astute cultural observer and historical interpreter.
    — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • But inquiring into the specifics of familial dynamics is impudent and prying — and a line of questioning that most people would be happy to avoid answering themselves.
    — Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2023
  • But inquiring into the specifics of familial dynamics is impudent and prying -- and a line of questioning that most people would be happy to avoid answering themselves.
    — Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin, oregonlive, 4 Feb. 2023
Definition of prying
Adjective
  • Sarcasm is an interesting thing because it can be viewed by some people as funny and other people as hurtful.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • A little bit funny, a lot cheesy and completely, unabashedly earnest, her Liz is — like moms everywhere — at once a perfectly ordinary woman and the center of the universe.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of funny

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Cite this Entry

“Curious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curious. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of curious for Spanish Speakers

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