adj
Uncommon
intriguing
ihn-TREE-gihng
Intriguing (adj) means interesting in a way that makes you want to know more; mysterious. Example: “The detective found an intriguing clue hidden in the old letter.”
adj
1
Interesting in a way that makes you want to know more; mysterious.
"The detective found an intriguing clue hidden in the old letter."
"It was an intriguing offer, but she needed time to think it over."
How to use intriguing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo interesting or puzzling that it grabs your curiosity.
Common pairings
intriguing question
intriguing possibility
find something intriguing
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Word forms
- Plural
- intriguings
- Comparative
- more intriguing
- Superlative
- most intriguing
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The detective found an _____ clue hidden in the old letter.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for intriguing
See all rhymes for intriguing →Frequently asked questions
What does “intriguing” mean?
The word “intriguing” means interesting in a way that makes you want to know more; mysterious. In plain terms, so interesting or puzzling that it grabs your curiosity.
How do you pronounce “intriguing”?
“Intriguing” is pronounced ihn-TREE-gihng (/ɪnˈtɹiːɡɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “intriguing” in a sentence?
Here is “intriguing” used in a sentence: “The detective found an intriguing clue hidden in the old letter.”
What is another word for “intriguing”?
Words with a similar meaning to “intriguing” include fascinating, interesting and attractive.
What part of speech is “intriguing”?
“Intriguing” is an adjective.
Is “intriguing” a common word?
“Intriguing” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "intriguing" and "interesting"?
Intriguing is a stronger word than interesting, suggesting something so curious or mysterious that it actively pulls you in and makes you want to investigate further. Something can be interesting without being intriguing, but intriguing things are almost always interesting.
Is "intriguing" a formal or informal word?
Intriguing works in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice in writing, from academic reviews to casual conversation, whenever something sparks curiosity.
What is the difference between "intriguing" and "suspicious"?
Intriguing carries a positive or neutral sense of curiosity, while suspicious implies distrust or a sense that something is wrong. An intriguing mystery invites you to explore it, but a suspicious situation makes you wary.
