Synonyms of engages

engages

verb

present tense third-person singular of engage

1

as in occupies

to hold the attention of

the challenging jigsaw puzzle engaged us all evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

• occupies
• immerses
• intrigues
• interests
• involves
• fascinates
• attracts
• busies
• engrosses
• grips
• absorbs
• distracts
• enthralls
• enwraps
• preoccupies
• bemuses
• captivates
• enchants
• obsesses
• hypnotizes
• mesmerizes
• allures
• catches one's eye
• catches up
• bewitches
• beguiles
• monopolizes
• charms
• hogs

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bores
• wearies
• tires
• palls
• jades

2

as in faces

to enter into contest or conflict with

the daring young captain was eager to engage the enemy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• faces
• meets
• encounters
• fights
• takes on
• contends
• opposes
• emulates
• battles
• rivals

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• escapes
• eludes
• evades
• retreats

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

• commits
• mortgages
• pledges
• vows
• promises
• enrolls
• enlists
• swears
• troths
• betroths
• signs on
• affiances
• signs up
• plights
• overcommits
• contracts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reneges

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

• employs
• hires
• recruits
• retains
• pays
• enlists
• assumes
• signs (up or on)
• fees
• places
• takes on
• lays on
• promotes
• jobs
• partners
• reengages
• apprentices
• rehires
• reemploys
• contracts
• subcontracts
• keeps (on)
• upgrades
• advances
• headhunts
• scouts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dismisses
• cans
• discharges
• fires
• axes
• sacks
• furloughs
• locks out
• lays off

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

• hires
• rents
• leases
• charters
• arranges (for)
• contracts (for)
• checks out
• sublets
• books
• subleases
• bespeaks
• reserves
• signs up (for)
• orders

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of engages

Hip Mobility to Extension This is another exercise that engages the glutes and opens up the hip via abductor motion. — Mallory Creveling, Health, 9 July 2026

Gamification, where guests recreate and even judge these meals, deeply engages the audience. — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Bali's nearly-zero-waste Desa Potato Head is an inspiring place to stay for a genuinely fun yet responsible taste of the island that engages all ages. — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 2026

Roberts greets groups of guests and celebrities with enthusiasm, engages them in conversation and poses for pictures. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026

Learning to juggle engages motor systems, while studying a language relies more heavily on memory networks. — Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 20 June 2026

Ben Zand, founder and CEO of Zandland, will deliver the opening keynote address that will reflect on what genuinely engages audiences today and how creators can build sustained audience connection in an increasingly fragmented media environment. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 19 June 2026

The sport also engages the body in ways many traditional cardio activities don’t. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026

An open-sided viewing carriage engages the senses even more intensely—but hold onto your hat tightly and pack a light jacket. — Steve Madgwick, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026