engrossing 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈgrō-siŋ How to pronounce engrossing (audio)
Definition of engrossingnext
as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest an engrossing lecture on Native American culture before the arrival of Europeans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

engrossing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of engross
as in intriguing
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 engrossing
Adjective
Toss in an engrossing yarn involving a hunt for treasure amid the American Civil War, and this easily earns its rep as an all-time great. — Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026 An especially visually striking debut, Mosquitoes exists in a saturated hyperreality that is consummately engrossing, and announces the Bertani sisters as formidable portraitists of girlhood cast against the backdrop of an alternately beautiful and oppressive world. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
Don’t miss this thoroughly engrossing catalog of the coolest people of the era and the rise of the hipster. — Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 3 June 2026 Throughout this dense and always engrossing survey of Lean’s career in film, Thompson threads the vicissitudes of the director’s personal life, spanning six wives and various other relationships and flings. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for engrossing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engrossing
  1. interesting
  2. intriguing
  3. engaging
  4. fascinating
  5. absorbing
  6. immersing
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
Definition of interesting
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
Definition of intriguing
Adjective
  • Without parallel efforts to make schoolwork more engaging and support frustrated students, schools risk mistaking compliance for attention and the absence of a phone for well-being.
    — Kavin Bendre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Kranti Shanbhag, founder of Rocket Reels, said the company set out from the start to tell engaging stories in a format built around how people actually live and consume media today.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of engaging
Verb
  • Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.
    — Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.
    — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of fascinating
Adjective
  • Find out for yourself in this finely detailed and utterly absorbing book, which reads like a thriller of the highest order.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Despite its two-hour-52-minute run time, its pace is absorbing, particularly after the jagged editing of the first hour.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Definition of absorbing
Verb
  • Heinz began composing only after immersing herself in raw footage and long conversations with Bilal about his years in Sehwan.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026
  • By immersing oneself in a niche, studying local details, and building relationships, investors can effectively navigate market cycles and secure lasting success, maintaining a strong competitive edge.
    — James Nelson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of immersing

Browse Nearby Words

engrosses
engrossing
engrossment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Engrossing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engrossing. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on engrossing

Nglish: Translation of engrossing for Spanish Speakers

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All