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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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
Mikesell said the small group is central to a program in which artists who often have never met live together and become immersed in Miami’s arts community.

— Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Definition of immersed

Verb

This question interested me as a computational biophysicist who studies how living systems process information and adapt to changing environments.

— Shiladitya Banerjee, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
Your three films to date reveal you as a filmmaker interested in structure.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of interested

Adjective

While his medical team remains focused on supporting his recovery from these injuries, his progress over the past several days has been encouraging.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
That changing threat has also fueled a broader debate over whether the institutions created after 9/11 became too large, too expensive or too focused on the dangers of the previous era.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of focused

Verb

Neal, who grew up a 49ers fan, put it bluntly when he and his father were asked why the family was so intrigued by the Seahawks in particular.

— Andrew Destin, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Since Simpson was drafted out of Georgia Tech in 2022, Mottola wanted Rays minor-league coaches to refrain from making any changes, intrigued to see how far the unique skill set could take him.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Sep. 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

Tom Bonser, who was chief financial officer, left in January and has since taken on a new position at Fulham — although his role is now filled by Tom Rawcliffe, who previously occupied similar jobs at AFC Wimbledon and Bristol City.

— Paul Taylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Israel argues that the territory is disputed rather than occupied, and asserts that Jews have a historical right to the land.

— Reuters, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of occupied

Verb

As Oppenheim put it at the film’s Venice press conference, he’d long been fascinated by Hansen, and only became more so after his wife gifted him a Cameo from the host for his birthday.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026
Here are four more scammers who fascinated people on the internet – plus one who people thought was a scammer but turned out not to be.

— Owen Carry, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascinated

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engross

engrossed

engrosser

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Style

“Engrossed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engrossed. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of engrossed

adjective

verb

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