Definition of curiousnext
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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 Then there is the curious case of the Georgian director Alexandre Koberidze, who shot his latest feature, Dry Leaf, with the camera of a nearly twenty-year-old mobile phone. Dennis Lim, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026 For the curious traveler, Meyer always recommends starting with two of her favorites. Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026 Feeling clog-curious but not ready to splurge? Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026 Keepers say the fawn is showing early signs of independence — curious, adventurous and surprisingly confident for such a small animal. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curious
Adjective
  • Despite his detractors, Kempthorne remained inquisitive and open to conversation, and also prone to an independent streak, Rick Johnson, former longtime executive director of the Idaho Conservation League, told the Idaho Statesman.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 2026
  • While figs are generally considered deer-resistant, young trees may still face damage from inquisitive deer.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The truck had been at the head of a column of seven rescue vehicles, all of which had received clearance from the tower to cross Runway 4 at Taxiway D and head toward a United Airlines flight that was evacuating due to a strange odor onboard.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • On World Rhythms, Lockwood trusts the listener to hear the arc of its noises, to trace their emergence and disappearance, their strange, seductive confluence.
    Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Wednesday’s game, in particular, ended in extremely bizarre fashion with Xavier Edwards turning an unusual unassisted double play with the bases loaded and Freddie Freeman at the plate.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • In an unusual development, the bank published a range of forecasts given the geopolitical uncertainties.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Grandparents are not interested in performance or outcomes, but in substance — not in what a child achieves, but in who that child becomes.
    Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The Niners were happy to come out of the night with the top pick on Friday so his staff can take plenty of time to go over the board to make a selection or possibly make another trade down if some other team is interested.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Upset over a bizarre technical foul in Game 2, Booker unloaded on the refs, particularly James Williams.
    Doug Haller, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The New York Giants had a completely bizarre draft on Thursday – one that even left star wide receiver Malik Nabers visibly frustrated during his own simulcast with Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons.
    Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Now, those stories are far more uncommon.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Power surges are not uncommon; that's why many homes and devices come equipped with surge protection to help protect your appliances and electronics.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
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.
    Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin, oregonlive, 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.
    Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • This would be much funnier if Rimura were, indeed, simply a slime.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 1 May 2026
  • Just being more confident in my choice of what is funny and what’s not.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Curious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curious. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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