Definition of engagingnext
1
2

engaging

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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
Group fitness classes can make strength training more engaging while adding social connection and accountability. Julia Landwehr, HEALTH, 7 Aug. 2026 That might make this desirable to gadget nerds who aren't even necessarily in the market for a less engaging phone. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
Core benefits Boat pose challenges the ab muscles while also engaging the hip flexors, glutes and back, according to Leach. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Three Yemeni government sources told Reuters air defenses were engaging drones launched by the Houthis toward the commercial quay and storage in the port. Reuters, NBC news, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for engaging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engaging
Adjective
  • Digital currencies, like Bitcoin, are historically volatile and therefore less appealing for entities making large transactions.
    Nathan Lee, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Over time, their purpose evolved into an elegant way to conceal a naked body while changing or to cover up a room’s less appealing realities.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Elarms-Orr’s interesting usage The Bills are very high on fourth-round rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr, to the point that the inside linebacker is pushing for a role early in the regular season.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The origin story of Guy Gardner is actually interesting, despite his questionable barber choices.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The first four episodes made available for review likewise have tiny sparks of interest, from some witty dialogue to genuine plot momentum to intriguing new characters popping up.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • His 6-foot-6 frame and power potential offer intriguing athletic tools.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Jacobs practiced all offseason, but his status remains one of 10 big questions facing Green Bay.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Despite acknowledging mistakes were made, FIFA is still facing a barrage of obstacles that are preventing it and Infantino from moving on from the saga.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Ravens did that, committing only three penalties for 25 yards (the Eagles had 10 for 96), limiting their mistakes and controlling the line of scrimmage.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • If jurors find she cannot be held criminally responsible, the court will likely begin the process of committing her to a psychiatric hospital.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Last summer, organizers began employing the concept for violence prevention and intervention, as community members and stakeholders continually seek new ways to combat pervasive gun violence.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • One of its key functions has been for healing, often employing a complex knowledge of medicinal plants and in many cases providing the only medical services available within African American communities.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Bruins announced the hiring Monday of the 35-year-old Carr, who is volunteering in his first major coaching role.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • McDonnell seemed to prize family connections over real-world experience, hiring her nephews to serve as directors and executive producers on various series.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Haaland was one of the top scorers and most charismatic players at the World Cup held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, and his imposing stature and goofy sense of humor sparked a wave of creative viral videos and memes.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The song follows a man trying to impress and attract a woman, using Jagger’s famously charismatic stage presence as a metaphor for confidence, swagger and romantic appeal.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Engaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engaging. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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