Gloss · Another word for · interesting

Another word for interesting.

Interesting can sound polite and bored at once. Say what held your attention, and how tightly.

Holds your attention

• engagingInteresting in a warm, easy way.He’s an engaging speaker, even on dry subjects.
• absorbingInteresting enough to lose track of time.It was an absorbing book for a long flight.

Very interesting

• fascinatingVery interesting; it holds you fast.The museum had a fascinating exhibit on old maps.
• grippingFascinating, with suspense pulling you on.The trial made for gripping television.
• compellingInteresting and convincing; hard to dismiss.She made a compelling case for the new park.

Makes you wonder

• intriguingIt leaves you wanting to know more.There’s an intriguing note in the margin of the letter.
• curiousInteresting because it’s a little odd.There was a curious smell coming from the attic.
• thought-provokingInteresting because it makes you think.The film raised some thought-provoking questions about memory.

When to keep “interesting”

Keep interesting when it invites more, as in “interesting, go on”; then it sounds curious, not bored.

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More words to swap

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Guides: Words to use instead of “very” · How to be more articulate