1
as in occupies
to hold the attention of
the challenging jigsaw puzzle engaged us all evening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in commits
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
as in employs
to provide with a paying job
the wealthy couple are looking to engage a handyman to take care of the estate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in hires
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
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Recent Examples of engages
This process, as intended, engages adaptive immune responses, the part of the immune system known to be trainable.
—
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
The manner in which the department attracts and engages future officers was about to fundamentally change.
—Joy Lepola-Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
The way a leader engages people — how trust is built, how alignment is created, how dissent is handled — ultimately determines whether decisions translate into outcomes.
—Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Weight-bearing exercise—anything that requires you to support your own body weight or more—engages your skeleton and helps strengthen bone.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 12 May 2026
And the production also engages questions of access and representation.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
By focusing on federal benefits, FEBA’s team engages directly with the details of systems such as FERS, TSP, the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Gargling vigorously enough that your eyes water slightly engages the same reflex doctors use clinically to check vagal function.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026
The decor is both fun and engages themes from the books.
—Claire Wang, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
The manner in which the department attracts and engages future officers was about to fundamentally change.
—Joy Lepola-Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
The way a leader engages people — how trust is built, how alignment is created, how dissent is handled — ultimately determines whether decisions translate into outcomes.
—Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Weight-bearing exercise—anything that requires you to support your own body weight or more—engages your skeleton and helps strengthen bone.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 12 May 2026
And the production also engages questions of access and representation.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
By focusing on federal benefits, FEBA’s team engages directly with the details of systems such as FERS, TSP, the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Gargling vigorously enough that your eyes water slightly engages the same reflex doctors use clinically to check vagal function.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026
The decor is both fun and engages themes from the books.
—Claire Wang, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engages
Verb
-
Speaking of the movement, the one-minute flying Tourbillon occupies prime position at 6 o’clock, creating even more of a spectacle on the wrist.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
-
At this four-star resort spread over about 10 acres, each suite occupies its own little dammuso.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Each faces a felony theft charge, four felony counts of breaking or entering, and a misdemeanor charge of fleeing on foot, the post says.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 May 2026
-
One patient retained normal core disgust reactivity but could no longer recognize disgust in others’ faces; another with anterior insula damage showed dysregulation in both producing and experiencing disgust.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Shorter stays don’t give the nervous system enough time to settle out of reactive scrolling patterns, which is why properties like Adhara Retreat in Tuscany build their programs around an eight-day arc and the Hridaya retreat in Portugal commits guests to five days, three of them in full silence.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
-
The Dawgs lost three blue-chip commits in the last month, including five-star cornerback Donte Wright, who flipped to the Miami Hurricanes less than a week ago.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Like the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, the 10-P employs some sketchy folks, willing to break the law to protect their brand.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
-
In a statement, a spokesperson for the KNVB — the Royal Dutch Football Association, which employs Dieperink — outlined its support for the official.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Both hires reflect Graham’s desire to improve the Bulls’ ability to identify, acquire and develop talent — critical for a team with two first-round and two second-round picks in this year’s draft.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
They are obligated to pay him until another team hires him and would be on the hook for any differential in salary over that time.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Château de Berne immerses guests in the systems sustaining the estate, such as seasonal cycles, rather than insulating them from it.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
-
The resort unveils new and updated features every year—in 2026, look for Aquavia Lumina, a nighttime walk through a canyon with lights, projections, and music that immerses you in a story world.—
Jess Hoffert,
Midwest Living,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
For example, my husband meets either in person, on Zoom or by phone with more than 10 people weekly.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
14 May 2026
-
The campaign unfolds as a romantic American pop star fantasy, where soft vintage femininity meets Western Americana and melodic storytelling.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Pressure to align with the president’s agenda has only increased in recent months as the administration launches probes and recruits whistleblowers.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Andy recruits her as an ally, getting Emily to convince her billionaire boyfriend, Benji (Justin Theroux), to buy Runway and prevent mass layoffs.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Engages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engages. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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