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
This engaging show ran for three seasons, the first two on the The WB and the final outing on UPN. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026 Perhaps that frustration was also informed by an awareness of some of Cale’s other work, which both outstrips The Unknown in some ways and gives the play an engaging metatextual sheen. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
The free casual morning event is designed to bring together local business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders for a relaxed and engaging networking experience, a release said. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 Heily is a bright and engaging teenager who demonstrates remarkable resilience and an impressive ability to adapt to new environments. Mare Staff, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for engaging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engaging
Adjective
  • What's so appealing about this spring boot is their comfortable fit and elevated, androgynous structure, which looks very similar to an Oxford dress shoe when paired with Johnson's black Agolde straight-leg '90s jeans.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2026
  • As construction costs remain high, the cost-effectiveness of adaptive reuse is particularly appealing.
    Margi Glavovic Nothard, Sun Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Later during the keynote, Hounsou shared an interesting nugget about the film’s budget when asked by an audience member about the difficulty of getting period films about the African diaspora off the ground in Hollywood.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Bubic had an interesting offseason.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The likes of Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca and Roberto De Zerbi are intriguing new options, but none offer the combination of experience, tactical flexibility and past silverware than Tuchel, a manager who brings solidity in and out of possession.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Our guide to the best upcoming sci-fi movies in 2026 features a blockbuster mix of popular franchises, intriguing one-offs, and one of the greatest directors of all time heading back to alien visitation territory.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The Bruins will honor six graduating players before facing the Badgers.
    Felicia Keller, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The initiative reflects challenges facing rail operators worldwide, including in the United States.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Literalizing themes of codependency and fear of commitment, Together cleverly sells its message while gleefully committing to the twistedness of it all.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Giddey added five assists while committing four turnovers.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • It was also reported to be Butler County's ninth largest employer, employing about 2,000 people.
    Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Another, role the state could play in immigration is to eliminate employing H1B visas immigrants from any state contracts and from admission into state Universities.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The more filler words someone uses, the lower they’re rated in professional and personal credibility and communication competence, which can influence hiring decisions.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
  • And the cost of tariffs has reduced many companies’ profits, possibly leading them to cut back on hiring.
    Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Rudnev was a charismatic leader, whose ideas on yoga and philosophy attracted a significant following.
    William Jones, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Every decade gets at least one charismatic male movie star who’s drop-dead gorgeous yet somehow guy-next-door relatable, action-hero intense one second and irresistibly charming the next.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Engaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engaging. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on engaging

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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