Other words for 'Interesting'

We’ve all been there: writing a sentence and defaulting to the word interesting. It's a go-to term, versatile and vague enough to fit almost any situation, just like the word said. But therein lies the problem: interesting is often a placeholder, a missed opportunity to be precise, expressive, or emotionally resonant.

If you're writing a novel (or even if you just need it), here are eight categories of alternatives to "interesting", each with a specific nuance to help you choose the perfect word for your context.

For When You Mean "Fascinating" or "Captivating"

Sometimes interesting is meant to convey that something truly grabs your attention. But when that's the case, go for words that pack more punch.

Alternatives:

• Fascinating
• Captivating
• Engaging
• Mesmerizing
• Enthralling
• Riveting

Example: Instead of “The documentary was interesting,” try “The documentary was riveting from start to finish.”

For When You Mean "Thought-Provoking"

If what you’re describing stimulates deep thought or reflection, there are sharper ways to say it.

Alternatives:

• Thought-provoking
• Insightful
• Eye-opening
• Mind-bending
• Reflective
• Philosophical

Example: Rather than “She made an interesting point,” try “She made a thought-provoking point about cultural identity.”

For When You Mean "Unusual" or "Unconventional"

Sometimes interesting is a polite way to acknowledge something as weird or different. Be bolder.

Alternatives:

• Unconventional
• Quirky
• Peculiar
• Offbeat
• Unorthodox
• Eccentric

Example: Instead of “His art style is interesting,” say “His art style is unorthodox and strikingly original.”

For When You Mean "Amusing" or "Entertaining"

If something caught your attention in a fun or humorous way, choose a word that reflects that tone.

Alternatives:

• Amusing
• Entertaining
• Witty
• Hilarious
• Lighthearted
• Playful

Example: Swap “The speech was interesting” for “The speech was witty and entertaining.”

For When You Mean "Important" or "Significant"

Sometimes we call things interesting when we really mean they have weight or relevance.

Alternatives:

• Significant
• Noteworthy
• Meaningful
• Substantial
• Profound
• Groundbreaking

Example: Replace “That study is interesting” with “That study is groundbreaking in its findings.”

For When You Mean "Mysterious" or "Intriguing"

If there’s an element of curiosity, suspense, or the unknown, reflect that intrigue directly.

Alternatives:

• Intriguing
• Mysterious
• Enigmatic
• Alluring
• Curious
• Puzzling

Example: Rather than “There’s something interesting about him,” say “There’s something enigmatic about him.”

For When You Mean "Innovative" or "Creative"

If you’re talking about something new, clever, or original, spotlight the creativity.

Alternatives:

• Innovative
• Creative
• Inventive
• Visionary
• Groundbreaking
• Cutting-edge

Example: Change “It’s an interesting solution” to “It’s an innovative approach to a common problem.”

For When You Mean "Informative" or "Educational"

If the content provides new knowledge or understanding, let the reader know exactly what value it holds.

Alternatives:

• Informative
• Educational
• Enlightening
• Instructive
• Illuminating
• Edifying

Example: Instead of “That article was interesting,” use “That article was enlightening and full of surprising facts.”

Replacing interesting is more than a matter of vocabulary—it's a way to fine-tune your voice and sharpen your writing. Every time you’re tempted to use it, ask yourself: What exactly made this interesting? Your answer will likely point you to a stronger, more precise word.