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

Derived Forms

• ˈinterestingly, adverb
• ˈinterestingness, noun

Other Words From

• inter·est·ing·ly adverb
• inter·est·ing·ness noun
• un·inter·est·ing adjective
• un·inter·est·ing·ly 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 was interesting enough to take down the whole cake, and maybe even dip into the tube bag for another, and another.

From Eater

Eventually you’ll be able to calculate something interesting, such as the path of a whole billiard ball.

From Quanta Magazine

That’s why an interesting pattern in analyzing SEO agencies is looking at the ones that access self-serve reporting platforms to allow full transparency and a semi-automation of the process.

From Search Engine Land

The most interesting new strap is called the Solo Loop and it doesn’t have a clasp at all.

From Popular-Science

He shared some interesting news about a new program Lowe’s is launching to get more products from small and minority-owned businesses on its shelves.

From Fortune

Interesting that those who sat in judgment of him found those two sets of beliefs to be incompatible.

From The Daily Beast

“I found him to to be an interesting person,” Krauss said of the first impression.

From The Daily Beast

Two factors made Hiram Revels especially interesting to the Washington establishment.

From The Daily Beast

These are eight of the most interesting laws passed in the second session of the 113th Congress.

From The Daily Beast

Opechatesgays.com is one project of a much larger organization, EthicalOil.org—and here is where things get really interesting.

From The Daily Beast

We prefer the American volume of Hochelaga to the Canadian one, although both are highly interesting.

From Project Gutenberg

To Americans Mrs. Wright is interesting by reason of her patriotism, which amounted to a passion.

From Project Gutenberg

It goes without saying that Ferns of all kinds are interesting plants to grow in the garden and house.

From Project Gutenberg

I seized the opportunity to watch what I supposed would be a most interesting interview, from behind a curtain.

From Project Gutenberg

Be Bry in his History of Brazil describes its use and also some interesting particulars concerning the plant.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alluring
• amusing
• attractive
• compelling
• curious
• delightful
• engaging
• exotic
• fascinating
• impressive
• intriguing
• 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.