Synonyms of intriguing

intriguing 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈtrē-giŋ 

as in interesting

holding the attention or provoking interest

an intriguing concept that should engender much debate among climatologists

Synonyms & Similar Words

• interesting
• fascinating
• engaging
• exciting
• absorbing
• provocative
• gripping
• enthralling
• engrossing
• involving
• riveting
• amazing
• inspiring
• entertaining
• amusing
• consuming
• attractive
• arresting
• unusual
• enchanting
• breathtaking
• tantalizing
• thrilling
• exhilarating
• immersing
• alluring
• charming
• striking
• electric
• electrifying
• surprising
• curious
• astonishing
• wonderful
• stimulating
• showy
• bewitching
• emphatic
• rousing
• captivating
• wondrous
• stirring
• odd
• eventful
• astounding
• mesmerizing
• weird
• galvanizing
• marvelous
• spellbinding
• hypnotizing
• splashy
• fabulous
• eye-opening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uninteresting
• tedious
• boring
• dry
• dull
• heavy
• monotonous
• drab
• tiresome
• wearisome
• tiring
• unexciting
• sterile
• dreary
• discouraging
• wearying
• humdrum
• pedestrian
• pedantic
• disheartening
• dispiriting
• demoralizing
• operose

intriguing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of intrigue

1

as in plotting

to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends

evidence that the leading manufacturers had intrigued to keep prices artificially high

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plotting
• scheming
• conniving
• contriving
• planning
• conspiring
• colluding
• devising
• engineering
• machinating
• concocting
• putting up
• compassing
• cooking (up)
• designing
• hatching
• manipulating
• maneuvering
• shaping
• counterplotting
• brewing
• mapping
• jockeying
• laying out
• framing

2

as in fascinating

to hold the attention of

the mystery story intrigued me so that I read it in one sitting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• interesting
• fascinating
• immersing
• occupying
• involving
• gripping
• engrossing
• attracting
• engaging
• busying
• enchanting
• bemusing
• enthralling
• absorbing
• distracting
• captivating
• charming
• preoccupying
• alluring
• enwrapping
• mesmerizing
• bewitching
• catching up
• beguiling
• catching one's eye
• obsessing
• hypnotizing
• monopolizing
• hogging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• boring
• tiring
• wearying
• palling
• jading

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of intriguing

Adjective

One of the intriguing qualities of dark paint colors is their ability to recede visually. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

Another intriguing matchup, again between teammates, is Kyle Larson versus William Byron. — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Verb

The likes of Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca and Roberto De Zerbi are intriguing new options, but none offer the combination of experience, tactical flexibility and past silverware than Tuchel, a manager who brings solidity in and out of possession. — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026

Our guide to the best upcoming sci-fi movies in 2026 features a blockbuster mix of popular franchises, intriguing one-offs, and one of the greatest directors of all time heading back to alien visitation territory. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 31 Dec. 2025