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

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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
In 2022, the author of this engrossing investigation travelled to Lagos, Nigeria, to find the person who, years earlier, ensnared his mother in an online romance scam. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 The most engrossing aspect of the relationship is that it’s maintained tension. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 June 2026
Verb
His assessment on what happened at Penney’s is also engrossing, though there’s no mention of Enjoy, which was founded by Johnson in 2015. — David Moin, Footwear News, 26 June 2026 The American composer’s latest album of field recordings and fourth-wall slippage is an engrossing travelogue from the outskirts of experimental music. — Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 9 June 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
  • Disappointingly, her screenplay proceeds to unfold in a procession of frustrating get-outs and compromises, repeatedly choosing the least interesting or challenging direction to take this would-be throuple.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • This would provide some interesting tactical options for the Navy, especially for conflicts with rivals, like China.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of interesting
Verb
  • The female forward is in front of the camera, behind the camera, really getting women, intriguing them to come to the service and watch.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of intriguing
Adjective
  • Elise Armani and Katy Siegel, an art history PhD candidate/museum curator and an art history professor, respectively, coauthor in an engaging voice, and their joint expertise ranges impressively across media.
    — Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Excellent, from the thorough and intuitive spa therapists, to the engaging and sweet girls who run the kids’ club, the generous ice-cream scoopers at the Haagen-Dazs counter, and the nothing-is-too-much-trouble front desk.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of engaging
Verb
  • The trailer promises fascinating new characters, like one man who lives on a sailboat for most of the year.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of fascinating
Adjective
  • Its 14 essays comprise an absorbing investigation into the art of translation, the sheer pleasure of reading the classics, and the insights such reading can bring.
    — David Conrads, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Orlean consistently demonstrates that terrific nonfiction writing can be as absorbing as fiction.
    — The Know, Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of absorbing
Verb
  • Like immersing the dogs in beer before putting them on the grill.
    — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Our formula is based on the universal pleasure of solving a mystery, immersing oneself in an adventure, identifying with inspiring characters, and sharing that sense of liberation so characteristic of adolescence.
    — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of immersing

Browse Nearby Words

engrosses
engrossing
engrossment
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Cite this Entry

“Engrossing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engrossing. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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