engaging 1 of 2

Definition of engagingnext
1
2

engaging

2 of 2

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
Nominated for Best Animated Feature at both the Oscars and the Golden Globes, Arco is visually stunning and totally engaging. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 22 May 2026 Plus, wool's texture makes the toy more engaging for cats. Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 18 May 2026
Verb
Bertrand begins by telling a story of engaging a random older man in a conversation about art and poetry, the man pushed a sheaf of pages into Bertrand’s hand, and walking away with promises to return tomorrow. Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 Recognizing the long-term implications of those trends, McCullough directed the department’s employment section to take a hard look at the hiring process and reevaluate how the department was attracting, engaging and ultimately hiring the next generation of police officers. Joy Lepola-Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for engaging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engaging
Adjective
  • This decision unfortunately led to more jokes and tongue planted firmly in cheek (akin to the slapstick reshooting of Superman II by Richard Lester for a more child-appealing and less ambitious approach than Richard Donner’s own Superman II footage before he was fired from the project).
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • While the image of oysters on a sunny summer patio is appealing, Jackson says the best ones come from late October through March, when the water is at its coldest.
    Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The mini-bar had a decent selection of interesting snacks, and for coffee there’s a Nespresso machine.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • The white, wavy detailing adds just enough contrast to feel fresh and interesting without sacrificing comfort or versatility.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • And while the company presented more data on that drug Tuesday, showing promising first-line and combination data on daraxonrasib, scientists also showed in another session intriguing preclinical data on a completely new compound that may represent what comes after the current lineup.
    Angus Chen, STAT, 21 Apr. 2026
  • There’s familiarity there, but there’s also intriguing talent with Thompson.
    SportsDay Staff, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Michele Spagnuolo, an Italian citizen residing in Switzerland, was arrested yesterday and is facing charges of commodities fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and other counts for allegedly placing bets on search trends based on internal Google data that tracked user searches.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 May 2026
  • The five are facing charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, promoting prostitution and money laundering.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Bill Essayli touted the arrest of Michael Angel Alvarez on social media, noting that he had previously been convicted of committing a murder as a member of the gang.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Breakfast tacos 101 On another essential Texas matter, Talarico’s meatless taco order reignited the rumors that the Democrat was committing a Texan faux pas.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Similarly, Nestlé has a dedicated Income Accelerator Programme to financially incentivise farmers employing sustainable practices, while encouraging them to keep children in school.
    Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
  • Head coach Adrián González experimented slightly with his approach to the team’s offense, employing Colombian midfielder Leicy Santos as a striker and giving center back Tara Rudd more freedom to push into the attack.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • When Tracy was elevated from Triple-A to the big leagues Breslow didn’t rule out hiring a permanent manager midseason.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • The airline has been hiring crew members from the defunct Spirit Airlines and expanding its pilot base at FLL.
    Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick had the same kind of impact on that dismal 2019 Dolphins team, which might not have won any of its five games that season without the charismatic quarterback, who had a knack for uniting and inspiring people.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
  • Inspired by Michael Pollan’s books, Angus stepped out of his London stockbroker brogues and into the role of charismatic, barefoot ‘Farmer Angus’; a passionate espouser of biodynamic farming principles, destined to become a household name.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Engaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engaging. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on engaging

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster