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
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
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Recent Examples of engrossing
Space.com Staff, Space.com, 28 Dec. 2025
The latter is best understood through passages told through the perspective of her father, which provides an engrossing, critical view of Chen as a daughter.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Liz Schubauer, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
The rest of the album is engrossing film-score flotsam.
—Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for engrossing
Adjective
This engrossing read is where my rabbit-hole of knowledge about Milton Humason began, a janitor and mule skinner who helped with the construction of Mount Wilson Observatory, then went on to aid Hubble in several major discoveries.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 28 Dec. 2025
The latter is best understood through passages told through the perspective of her father, which provides an engrossing, critical view of Chen as a daughter.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Verb
The result is a collection of songs that are immediately engrossing and among the most affecting of Swift’s career, while also focusing on topics like Hamlet and suburban bliss.
—Liz Schubauer, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
The rest of the album is engrossing film-score flotsam.
—Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for engrossing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engrossing
Adjective
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The Indigenous Māori people once believed the boulders were gourds that washed ashore from an ancient canoe wreck, but the science behind it is just as interesting as the legend.—
Madeline Bilis,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, an Alamosa Republican, said the vaccine bill was interesting enough to warrant consideration.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
Adjective
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The complaint alleges that Gavalas’s psychosis stemmed from engineering choices made by Google to make Gemini more engaging and lifelike.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
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Speaking via Zoom with his father, Jim, sitting next to him, McKenna is engaging, affable and, frankly, a delight.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
Adjective
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Pick high-pile or plush bath mats to maximize the warmth-trapping properties and opt for moisture-absorbing, quick-drying materials like microfiber in this high-humidity, water-splashing space.—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
27 Feb. 2026
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This lotion is fast-absorbing, relieving your tattoo’s dry, itchy skin and providing 48-hour moisture.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This energy can lend itself to immersing yourself in creative undertakings and healing self-work but isn’t exactly the best for anything that requires absolute clarity, facts, figures, or even speediness.—
Maressa Brown,
InStyle,
25 Feb. 2026
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Clear things up with your ex before immersing yourself in his church.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Engrossing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engrossing. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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