ENGROSSED Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

engrossed 1 of 2

adjective

as in immersed

having the mind fixed on something I was too engrossed in the book to notice the time

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

engrossed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of engross

as in interested

to hold the attention of a mystery story that will engross readers all the way to the surprise ending

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 engrossed

Adjective

So too the buzz around the event last year and this, with first-round matches in 2025 attracting large and engrossed crowds. — James Hansen, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 In the moments of incredible sensitivity, humor, or honesty that keep people engrossed. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, the familiar engrossed copy of the Declaration was crafted and signed by most of the delegates in August. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 July 2026 At the center of it all, perfectly aligned with the flags, columns, architraves, and pediments, was the engrossed Declaration in its altar, surmounted by a bronze eagle. — Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 Rachel became engrossed in Facebook videos of other moms who were documenting their families’ self-deportation process and describing their relief to be out of the United States. — Caitlin Dickerson, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026 The dancers appear free of themselves and the world, utterly engrossed in music and dance in a way that is generous and fully alive. — Jennifer Homans, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 She's currently engrossed in a debate—between herself and herself—about what her dress should look like. — Marci Robin, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026 Instead of a carefully handwritten piece of parchment (what’s known as an engrossed copy), this variant is one of the few surviving broadside editions. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 2026

Verb

In one inexhaustible untitled image from 1980, the couple sits in elegant dress at a candlelit table engrossed in each other’s company, while the young, shirtless son adjusts the channel on a television perched on the near side of the same table. — Leah Ollman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 After traveling to Oakland from Colorado, Lori Schott read aloud a diary entry from her daughter, Annalee, who died by suicide at 18 after becoming engrossed with Meta’s apps. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 The same goes for pedestrians, who increasingly are glued to phones and engrossed in noise-canceling headphones. — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026 On July 19, Congress ordered that the Declaration of Independence be engrossed on parchment. — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026 Beyond being engrossed in their respective books, Hudson and Rani found other ways to stay occupied during their family vacation. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 2 July 2026 Up ahead, 2026 Paris-Roubaix winner Wout van Aert is engrossed in a phone call. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 29 June 2026 If a potential friend is engrossed with a particular podcast or TV show, take their bid and check it out. — Anna Goldfarb, CNBC, 20 May 2026 The supplemental budget was engrossed into law on March 18. — Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 18 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for engrossed

Adjective

Because every moment is narrated in Ugandan Sign Language and International Sign, Deaf travelers are more deeply immersed in the experience, and a welcome hush falls over the environment—which is, surprise, appreciated by the wildlife too.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
An estimated 4,600 people cycled through the three-day event to hear stories, take part in tribal dances, taste indigenous foods, and become immersed in a culture native to the land.

— Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of immersed

Adjective

Overall, a key part of Lauder’s transformation is to be highly focused on its retail execution and experience — building stores that create services for consumers in makeup, skin care and fragrance, as well as unique products.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
After a quick change into a black-and-white ensemble lined with white fur, Huncho is instantly focused and ready to talk.

— Mikey Fresh, VIBE.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of focused

Verb

She was taken with Arnold right away, and intrigued by Bartlett’s visual style and imagination.

— Darryn King, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
The latter ran the college’s Computer Science department; the former is intrigued by the teacher’s lectures on neural networks.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of intrigued

Adjective

Unabsorbed calcium leaves the body through stool, and absorbed calcium that isn't needed may be filtered by the kidneys and leave in urine—often within about a day.

— Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2026
Although the mercury hovered at only 5°, all of us became so absorbed in the rabbit chase that no one noticed numb toes and cold ears.

— Erwin A. Bauer, Outdoor Life, 25 Dec. 2024

Definition of absorbed

Verb

Built in 1784, the home was originally occupied by a prominent Salem merchant dealing in rum and Sumatran pepper.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
The Russian Defense Ministry said Friday that its air defenses overnight downed 646 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions, occupied Crimea, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of occupied

Verb

In 2008, passionate surfer Tim Russo purchased the property, renamed it, and set out to organically grow it into a resort full of wonder where serious surfers and travelers fascinated with the surf lifestyle could vacation happily.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Ancient Greeks were fascinated by phallic symbols and that showed in their comedy.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of fascinated

Verb

Last month, the Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that the 4th Circuit had prematurely halted the rule, finding that the FCC must issue a decision on the Democratic candidates’ petition for review before the appeals court can get involved.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
The Las Vegas process has been active with at least three groups still involved and a franchise fee that could reach $10 billion, plus the cost to build a new venue.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of involved

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engross

engrossed

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“Engrossed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engrossed. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of engrossed

adjective

verb

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