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
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
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
The engrossing alternative history novel unfolds during the historic Apollo-Soyuz linkup between American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Dynamic action scenes also compliment Ji-an’s surprising discoveries throughout this pulpy and engrossing crime thriller.
—Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for engrossing
Adjective
Language’s ability both to reveal and to conceal is at the heart of this engrossing history of medieval encoded and encrypted manuscripts.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
The engrossing alternative history novel unfolds during the historic Apollo-Soyuz linkup between American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
Honestly, every second of this video is engrossing, entertaining, and educational.
—Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Dynamic action scenes also compliment Ji-an’s surprising discoveries throughout this pulpy and engrossing crime thriller.
—Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for engrossing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engrossing
Adjective
-
The Cowboys have mastered the art of entertaining and interesting better than any sports franchise in the world, but there is a redundancy that to the person who spends a lot of their money on it is justifiably checked out.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Seeing these guys unapologetically portrayed by an actor whose superpower is the audience is always with him was interesting.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
New York has intriguing young outfielders in Jasson Domínguez and Spencer jones, but Bellinger was the team's second best player in the lineup this season.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Their ongoing collaboration makes for an eclectic and engaging body of work.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Another way to make snowshoeing even more engaging?—
Mia Taylor,
Parents,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But things got fascinating at the end, with Ole Miss going 40 yards in just a few seconds to set up a Hail Mary for the win.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The medical ordeals are traumatic and disgusting, but fascinating and full of the quirks of modern life.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
To soak your clothes prior to washing, fill a bucket or your bathtub with cool to warm water and add 1 cup of vinegar before immersing your clothes into the solution.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
4 Jan. 2026
-
Best Times to Visit for Good Weather Late spring through the summer is the best time to enjoy warm temperatures, perfect for immersing yourself in the stunning natural splendors of the Pacific Northwest.—
Scott Bay,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Its quick-absorbing formula feels weightless on the skin—a plus in sensitive, post-treatment times.—
Kathleen Baird-Murray,
Vogue,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Béla Tarr, a giant of world cinema whose absorbing, challenging films helped define the minimalist arthouse style named slow cinema, died on Monday.—
Tim Grierson,
Rolling Stone,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Engrossing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engrossing. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share