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knickknack

knickknack

16 4.2
A small cheap object people keep to decorate a home
  • noun
  • /ˈnɪkˌnæk/
translation icon : baratija
  • The shelf was filled with colorful knickknacks that added charm to the room.
  • little knickknack
  • assorted knickknacks
  • knickknack souvenirs

And then we have these cute little random knickknacks on here, another mueblay, a candle, and then we have a little mold of Fern, very Sissy vines.

Examples

  • There were little knickknacks like ceramic dwarfs and wooden seagulls placed on all the windowsills.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Eddie had even gone so far as to remove all of her knickknacks and store them in boxes in the attic.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • I'm going to pick up a couple of knickknacks or something...

  • There was nothing else in the flat that seemed personal, no knickknacks or collections.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • He's got a box full of knickknacks and souvenirs.

  • The bay window in front of the recliner was lined with shelves crowded with knickknacks.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • The restaurant is decorated with colorful native Salvadoran artwork, knickknacks, and maps of Central America.

    Blog text (3)
  • Their spacious flat was stuffed with knickknacks, wall hangings, and embroideries.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • The apartment was overheated, cramped, with knickknacks on the windowsills and shelves.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • I've never seen such a profusion of silken draperies, porcelain knickknacks, and embroidered pillows.

    Fiction book (1992)

Synonyms

trinket
vsknickknack
43 3.5

A small cheap object that people keep for decoration or as a gift

is the general inexpensive decoration rather than specifically jewelry
novelty
vsknickknack
27 3.9

A small, cheap object bought as a gift or souvenir

is the ordinary decorative object rather than one mainly sold as a gift
tchotchke
vsknickknack
  • Informal
8 9.9

A small inexpensive decorative object kept as a souvenir

is the neutral common term rather than an informal or slang label
knick
vsknickknack
  • Informal
5 8.2

A small decorative object like a tiny statue or ornament

is the full standard term rather than the short colloquial form
bric-a-brac
vsknickknack
2 8.7

Small pretty objects kept for decoration or as souvenirs

is the simple term for any small decoration, not only collected items
whatnot
vsknickknack
  • Archaic
1 7.6

A small shelf or stand that holds little decorations

is the single small decorative object rather than a grouped collection
chachka
vsknickknack
  • Informal
9.9

A small cheap object for decoration with little practical use

is the basic word focusing on small decoration rather than showiness
nicknack
vsknickknack
7.0

A small object kept for decoration rather than use

is the spelling variant often used instead of the original form
Knicks
vsknickknack
  • Informal
6.1

Small things used to decorate a room

is the standard singular term rather than casual plural usage
trumpery
vsknickknack
  • Archaic
9.9

Cheap objects that look nice but have little value

is the neutral everyday word not carrying the negative judgment
falderol
vsknickknack
  • Archaic
9.9

Small decorative things that have little value

is the common neutral term rather than an archaic dismissive word
bijouterie
vsknickknack
9.9

Small decorative jewelry and trinkets often sold in shops and not worth much

is broader, covering decorations beyond small jewelry pieces
trinketry
vsknickknack
  • Archaic
9.5

Small decorative objects like beads worn on clothes or jewelry

is the general decoration term, not limited to worn ornaments
ten-cent trinket
vsknickknack
  • Archaic
4.0

A small cheap object with little real value

is the neutral decorative object without focusing on extreme cheapness

Antonyms

44 2.8

Things worth a lot of money, like jewelry or important papers

How Valuable

collectible
22 4.1
ornament
102 1.6
knickknack
16 4.2
trifle
18 4.6

Surface Forms

knickknack singular
knickknacks plural

Etymology

The word knickknack is a playful repetition of knick and knack, so it sounds small and light, like little taps or tiny bits. A helpful way to remember it is that a knickknack is a 'small decorative object' that is usually pretty but not very valuable.