1
Spark curiosity
Make someone want to know more.
Example
The excavation produced an intriguing fragment of an unknown script.
intriguing
/ɪnˈtriːɡɪŋ/ · in-TREE-gingadjective
Arousing curiosity or strong interest.
Use intriguing when the context supports this precise sense: arousing curiosity or strong interest.
What intriguing Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Invite investigation
Present an unexplained pattern worth studying.
Example
One intriguing correlation appears in all three datasets.
3
Hold attention
Sustain interest through complexity or mystery.
Example
The essay offers an intriguing account of collective memory.
Use intriguing Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The excavation produced an intriguing fragment of an unknown script.
One intriguing correlation appears in all three datasets.
The essay offers an intriguing account of collective memory.
Precision Matters
Intriguing overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
intriguing
vs.Means arousing curiosity or strong interest.
engaging
Means interesting enough to hold attention.
intriguing
vs.Means arousing curiosity or strong interest.
obscure
Means not well known or difficult to understand.
intriguing
vs.Means arousing curiosity or strong interest.
tedious
Means boring, repetitive, and tiresome because it continues too long.
intriguing
vs.Means arousing curiosity or strong interest.
provocative
Means likely to stimulate thought or strong reaction.
Test intriguing in Context
The pattern arouses curiosity and invites further investigation.
1
The unexplained repetition in the manuscript is especially ___ because it may reveal how the text was assembled.