intriguing

/ɪnˈtriːɡɪŋ/

Say it: in-TREE-ging

adjective Arousing a high degree of curiosity or interest, often because of being unusual, mysterious, or complex.
The detective found an intriguing clue that didn't fit with any of the other evidence.

📖 Seen in the wild

The detective found the mysterious note to be an intriguing clue in the case.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ intriguing in a sentence

Her new book is based on the intriguing premise that historical events can be changed.
Scientists are studying the intriguing possibility of life on other planets.
He had an intriguing smile that made you wonder what he was really thinking.
The job offer was intriguing, but I wasn't sure I was ready to move to a new city.
The documentary presented an intriguing theory about the construction of the pyramids.
She's an intriguing character in the novel, full of contradictions and secrets.
I find the way bees communicate to be absolutely intriguing.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

fascinating compelling captivating engrossing riveting puzzling curious

fascinating · suggests a stronger, more absorbing hold on one's attention.

compelling · implies a powerful force that draws you in, making it hard to look away.

captivating · suggests being charmed or held by something's allure.

engrossing · implies complete absorption of one's attention.

Opposites: boring, dull, uninteresting, mundane, tedious

🌱 Where it comes from

The word intriguing comes from the verb 'intrigue', which entered English from French. Its ultimate root is the Latin 'intricare', meaning 'to entangle'. Originally, 'intrigue' referred to plotting and scheming, but by the late 19th century, its meaning softened to describe the act of arousing curiosity, as if one's interest were being cleverly entangled.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

an intriguing ideaan intriguing possibilityan intriguing questionfind something intriguingan intriguing character

Intriguing is a step up from 'interesting', suggesting a puzzle or mystery that invites you to think more deeply. It carries a positive connotation of intellectual stimulation. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it sounds more deliberate and sophisticated than a simple word like 'cool' or 'neat'. Be careful not to confuse it with words like 'suspicious', which also involve mystery but carry a negative sense of distrust.

Word family: intrigue, intriguer, intriguingly

💬 Quick answers

What does intriguing mean?

Intriguing means something arouses your curiosity or interest, usually because it is mysterious, complex, or unusual. It makes you want to know more.

What's the difference between intriguing and interesting?

While both mean something holds your attention, 'intriguing' implies a stronger pull due to an element of mystery or complexity. 'Interesting' is a more general term for something that is not boring.

Is intriguing a positive word?

Yes, intriguing is generally a positive word. It suggests that something is stimulating and worthy of further attention and thought.

Can a person be described as intriguing?

Yes, a person can be intriguing. This usually means they are mysterious, complex, or have unique qualities that make you want to understand them better.

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