interesting

[in-ter-uh-sting, -truh-sting, -tuh-res-ting]

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.

interesting

/ ˈɪntrɪstɪŋ, -tərɪs- /

adjective

1. inspiring interest; absorbing

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of interesting¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

Example Sentences

“It’s just an interesting dynamic to see who will be able to commoditize who faster,” he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"I continue fighting next year. I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it's interesting," he told Boxing King Media.

Read more on BBC

When I first had the blood tests, I thought it would provide an interesting scene for our documentary.

Read more on BBC

“Look, it’s an interesting time in my country, but most people, right and left, want the same. They want a job with dignity, health for themselves and their family,” he said.

Read more on Salon

He described McLaren's strategy as "an interesting move", adding: "But still you have to keep the tyres alive."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• alluring 
• amusing 
• attractive 
• compelling 
• curious 
• delightful 
• engaging 
• exotic 
• fascinating 
• impressive 
• intriguing www.thesaurus.com
• lovely 
• pleasing 
• provocative 
• readable 
• refreshing 
• stimulating 
• striking 
• thought-provoking 
• unusual 

When To Use

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.