Another Word for Interesting: 14 Synonyms with Examples
“Interesting” is vague praise. A more precise word shows why something holds attention.
As an adjective: holding attention
- fascinating
- intriguing
- engaging
- absorbing
- compelling
- captivating
- gripping
- thought-provoking
As an adjective: unusual
- unusual
- curious
- striking
- notable
- remarkable
- distinctive
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- fascinating
- Very interesting; strong enthusiasm.
- intriguing
- Interesting because mysterious or unexpected.
- engaging
- Pleasant and holds attention, often of speakers or writing.
- gripping
- So exciting you cannot stop, especially stories.
- thought-provoking
- Makes you think seriously.
Example sentences
- fascinating: The documentary is fascinating from start to finish.
- intriguing: The letter raised an intriguing question.
- engaging: He is an engaging speaker.
- gripping: The novel has a gripping final chapter.
- thought-provoking: The talk was short but thought-provoking.
Opposite of interesting
- boring
- dull
- tedious
- uninteresting
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “interesting”?
The most useful alternatives are “fascinating”, “intriguing”, “engaging”, “absorbing”, “compelling”. For the main sense (holding attention), “fascinating” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “fascinating” and “intriguing”?
fascinating: Very interesting; strong enthusiasm. intriguing: Interesting because mysterious or unexpected.
What is the opposite of “interesting”?
Common antonyms are “boring”, “dull”, “tedious”, “uninteresting”.