as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest
an intriguing concept that should engender much debate among climatologists
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
2
as in fascinating
to hold the attention of
the mystery story intrigued me so that I read it in one sitting
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of intriguing
Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
Look at Kentucky’s Jalen Farmer or Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis as intriguing Day 2 options, too, who could be impact run-blockers in Denver’s outside-zone schemes.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for intriguing
Adjective
His portrayal is different than Jacob Elordi’s in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, emphasizing the character’s savagery while focusing on an intriguing new wrinkle courtesy of Gyllenhaal’s script.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
Look at Kentucky’s Jalen Farmer or Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis as intriguing Day 2 options, too, who could be impact run-blockers in Denver’s outside-zone schemes.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 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
See All Example Sentences for intriguing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intriguing
Adjective
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San Diego State took us on a journey that was almost always interesting and often entertaining.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
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Head down for a late-night drink to run into other stylish, interesting locals who frequent the hangout, who are usually friendly enough to chat or spot you an extra shot of Ògógóró.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Iran may soon run out of drones, yet has other asymmetrical options – such as choking the Strait of Hormuz or plotting terror on foreign soil – that can irritate the US and disrupt peace.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
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Declan Rice and Gabriel are deep in conversation, plotting what could have been their team’s 22nd set-piece goal of the season — a familiar scene and something that antagonises the Brighton supporters.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.—
Glenn Peoples,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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That capacity makes Ederra’s singing more dynamic and engaging.—
Stephen Kearse,
Pitchfork,
11 Mar. 2026
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Because literature is a distillation of our loves and fears, of supposedly beauty and truth, its relationship with Mammon is at least distasteful and at most tragic, but the story of writing’s association itself is certainly an engaging story.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intriguing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intriguing. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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