Meaning & use

intrigue

verb·Academic

To arouse someone's curiosity or interest strongly.

See it in a sentence

The mysterious painting intrigued every visitor who passed through the gallery.

Her unconventional career path intrigued the interviewer more than her résumé did.

A note on using this word

As a noun, intrigue refers to secretive plotting or scheming, a distinct sense often seen in phrases like political intrigue.

Words with a similar meaning

fascinatecaptivate

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

bore

Another way to use it

2. noun

Secret scheming or plotting, or the fascination surrounding something mysterious.

The royal court was full of intrigue and hidden alliances.

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