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Synonyms

interesting

American  
[in-ter-uh-sting, -truh-sting, -tuh-res-ting] / ˈɪn tər ə stɪŋ, -trə stɪŋ, -təˌrɛs tɪŋ /

adjective

  1. engaging or exciting and holding the attention or curiosity.

    an interesting book.

    Synonyms:
    entertaining, absorbing
    Antonyms:
    dull
  2. arousing a feeling of interest.

    an interesting face.


idioms

  1. in an interesting condition, (of a woman) pregnant.

interesting British  
/ ˈɪntrɪstɪŋ, -tərɪs- /

adjective

  1. inspiring interest; absorbing

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What are other ways to say interesting? A person or a thing that is interesting arouses a feeling of curiosity or concern, or is engaging and exciting. But interesting isn’t quite the same as pleasing or gratifying. Find out why on Thesaurus.com.

Other Word Forms

  • interestingly adverb
  • interestingness noun
  • uninteresting adjective
  • uninterestingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of interesting

First recorded in 1705–15; interest + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The revenge of the analog—through the popularity of Moleskine notebooks and letterpress cards, through the revival of film cameras among Gen Z—comes down to something more interesting than simple nostalgia.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

The effect is as interesting as reading a grade-school roll call.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“Will be interesting to see how spiking gas prices pull down the two lower legs of the E,” another user wrote.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

I can work on my phone and look up when something interesting happens.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“Daniel texted us last night with a very interesting story,” said Hila, sitting directly across from Boaz, pouring herself a glass of orange juice.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny