Synonyms of engage

engage

verb

in-ˈgāj 

1

as in to interest

to hold the attention of

the challenging jigsaw puzzle engaged us all evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

• interest
• occupy
• immerse
• involve
• intrigue
• attract
• fascinate
• busy
• grip
• engross
• absorb
• distract
• enthrall
• bemuse
• enwrap
• enchant
• preoccupy
• catch up
• captivate
• catch one's eye
• obsess
• hypnotize
• monopolize
• mesmerize
• bewitch
• beguile
• charm
• allure
• hog

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• weary
• tire
• pall
• jade

2

as in to face

to enter into contest or conflict with

the daring young captain was eager to engage the enemy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• face
• meet
• encounter
• fight
• take on
• battle
• oppose
• emulate
• contend
• rival

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• escape
• evade
• elude
• retreat

3

as in to commit

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

• commit
• pledge
• mortgage
• vow
• promise
• enlist
• plight
• troth
• enroll
• swear
• sign on
• sign up
• affiance
• betroth
• contract
• overcommit

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• renege

4

as in to employ

to provide with a paying job

the wealthy couple are looking to engage a handyman to take care of the estate

Synonyms & Similar Words

• employ
• recruit
• hire
• pay
• retain
• enlist
• place
• sign (up or on)
• assume
• lay on
• fee
• take on
• job
• partner
• reengage
• promote
• reemploy
• subcontract
• rehire
• upgrade
• keep (on)
• contract
• apprentice
• advance
• headhunt
• scout

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• can
• dismiss
• sack
• discharge
• fire
• ax
• lay off
• lock out
• furlough

5

as in to hire

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

• hire
• rent
• lease
• charter
• check out
• arrange (for)
• contract (for)
• book
• order
• sublet
• reserve
• sign up (for)
• sublease
• bespeak

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of engage

Students return to the classroom more focused and engaged, making recess a benefit not only for children but for teachers as well. — Rachel Deitch, Baltimore Sun, 12 Oct. 2026

Conditionality works best when the United States remains engaged enough for its partners to care about losing it. — Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026

Roberts, identified by friends as a mother of five who was engaged to be married, was a volunteer and former board member for a community group that helped homeless people. — CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

The review is expected to be completed in the coming months and will engage community groups during the process. — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing engage

• engage in conversation

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