Arousing curiosity because something is unusual, suggestive, or not yet explained.
Reach for it when praising a detail or possibility that invites further attention
The survey revealed an intriguing pattern in how the square is used after rain.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm |
|
| professional | |
| literary |
everyday
Fits when attention is held without promising mystery or importance
Careful Interesting is milder because it need not contain an unresolved hook.
warm
Fits when attention is intense and sustained
Careful Fascinating exaggerates a modest clue that merely deserves follow-up.
warm
Fits when the subject prompts reflection beyond immediate curiosity
Careful Thought-provoking is more demanding and may not be enjoyable.
professional
Fits when evidence or narrative is difficult to ignore
Careful Compelling adds persuasive force that an intriguing possibility may lack.
literary
Fits when an unusual detail invites examination
Careful Curious can mean odd and may sound faintly dismissive.
literary
mysterious
Fits when unknown causes or hidden meaning create the appeal
Careful Mysterious can suggest secrecy or the supernatural.
intriguing possibility
The archive raises an intriguing possibility about who designed the first bridge.
intriguing question
An intriguing question emerged from the mismatched dates.
particularly intriguing
The unmarked side entrance was particularly intriguing to the researchers.
intriguing detail
One intriguing detail connected the anonymous letter to the workshop ledger.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
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