# intriguing

/ˌɪnˈtɹiɡɪŋ/ (US) · /ɪntɹˈiːɡɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intriguing
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. mysterious and interesting

adjective · CEFR B2

making you very interested because something seems strange or mysterious.

For teachers: arousing great interest or curiosity through being unusual, mysterious, or fascinating.

- The scientist found some intriguing evidence that suggested life might exist on other planets.
- The archaeologist discovered an intriguing set of symbols carved into the cave wall that did not match any known local script.

### 3. plotting or scheming

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

secretly planning to do something dishonest or harmful to others.

For teachers: engaging in secret schemes or underhanded plots.

- The king was surrounded by intriguing courtiers who all wanted more power.
- The novel depicts a court filled with intriguing politicians, each more concerned with their own advancement than the welfare of the state.

## Examples

- The scientist found some intriguing evidence in the old lab.
- The detective found an intriguing clue that didn't seem to fit the rest of the crime scene.
- While the initial data appeared standard, the slight deviation in the final results was intriguing enough to warrant a second, more expensive study.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.