Synonyms for

Curious

Verb / ˈkjʊri:ʌs / Another word for curious — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having a strong desire to know or learn something

Synonyms & similar words

peculiar singular odd rummy queer rum incurious funny inquisitive nosy interested eager enthusiastic intrigued probing questioning sharp snoopy thirsty investigative perceptive prying searching unquenchable curatorial explorative fact-finding inquiring

Synonyms by register

Formal

inquisitive interested analytical

Informal

nosy prying peeping

Literary

questing exploratory

Antonyms

apathetic indifferent uninterested bored disinterested unconcerned

Common collocations

  • curious about
  • curious mind
  • curious cat
  • curious nature
  • curious incident
  • curious fact
  • curious glance

Word family

noun curiosity
adjective curious
adverb curiously

Usage note

While 'curious' can mean interested, it can also imply being overly interested in other people's affairs, which can be negative. 'Disinterested' means impartial, while 'uninterested' means not interested.

Example sentences

  1. She was curious about what was inside the box.
  2. The little girl was curious about everything around her.
  3. He had a curious look on his face when he saw the strange creature.
  4. The scientists were very curious about the new planet they discovered.
  5. I am curious to find out what happens next in the story.

Quotes

  • Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning. - William Arthur Ward
  • I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious. - Albert Einstein
  • Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas. - Marie Curie

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