Definition of engagingnext
1
2

engaging

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verb

present participle of engage
1
2
as in facing
to enter into contest or conflict with the daring young captain was eager to engage the enemy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in committing
to obligate by prior agreement we can't go to the dance because we're already engaged to attend a piano recital

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
as in hiring
to take or get the temporary use of (something) for a set sum my sister and her boyfriend have engaged a chauffeured limousine for the prom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of engaging
Adjective
His least engaging work is beige and repetitive, all spark but no energy. Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 6 July 2026 Audiences want a quiet, efficient, relaxing, fun, visually engaging, communal experience unavailable at home. Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026
Verb
Communities across Southern California have been grappling with a proliferation of young riders on electric bikes and motorcycles on city streets, engaging in dangerous maneuvers and, sometimes, engaging police in chases. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 By engaging diplomatically, Canada could help boost these critics to win the internal argument. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for engaging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engaging
Adjective
  • The fishing village of Klima is well-known for its syrmata, but minuscule Firopotamos is equally appealing.
    Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • So that was definitely one of the very appealing parts of this package.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • England versus Argentina also features two previous winners, but this match has a much more interesting history to it.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Looks like an interesting docu-series, though, maybe especially for those of us who will never go in person.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
Verb
  • The first four episodes made available for review likewise have tiny sparks of interest, from some witty dialogue to genuine plot momentum to intriguing new characters popping up.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • His 6-foot-6 frame and power potential offer intriguing athletic tools.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Life University is facing a potentially costly lawsuit for allegedly discriminating against three former Black employees.
    Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
  • Women’s European Championship 2013 Germany had an additional day (again, three to two) before facing Norway, who had also been forced to play extra time and go through a penalty shootout in their semi-final.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Kane went from penalty scorer to committing a foul that led to a Mexico penalty, kicking the leg of Brian Gutiérrez while trying to clear the ball.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Drop Shots 😱 A player in the girls’ singles was disqualified from her match after committing a cardinal Wimbledon sin.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Georgia’s place in the national automotive ecosystem might be anchored by the likes of Hyundai and Kia, which operate sprawling factories here employing thousands, but Vintage Modern is finding its niche.
    Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026
  • Kinaxis, also employing FDE, stresses the need for deep domain expertise.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Brands are hiring cautiously after layoffs and restructurings; rising graduate numbers are vastly outweighing entry-level job openings; and AI is rapidly reshaping hiring across industries.
    Cami Fateh, Vogue, 15 July 2026
  • Martinez acknowledges hiring a crew to repair her wood-frame roof.
    Larry Seward, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Southern Charm Rides historical tour is a must-do experience, moving us through Uptown, Fourth Ward, and pieces of the city’s earlier history in an open-air cart with a tour guide charismatic enough to keep us smiling for the rest of the trip.
    Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Maradona, on the other hand, was a charismatic populist, a scalawag from a shantytown, irrepressible and impudent.
    Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Engaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engaging. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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