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
Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2026
Stephen Fishbach used his two outings on Survivor as inspiration for this engrossing debut novel about a reality star desperately chasing former glory — where else?
—Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
PC Magazine, 2 Dec. 2025
The period detail is impressive, the storytelling is engrossing, and the overall impact is pleasantly enjoyable.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for engrossing
Adjective
His curiosity was inexhaustible, finding as much engrossing about adolescence (High School) as old age (Near Death).
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2026
Stephen Fishbach used his two outings on Survivor as inspiration for this engrossing debut novel about a reality star desperately chasing former glory — where else?
—Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
Understanding and interacting with the environment is the goal, which is engrossing in an interstellar way, not unlike No Man's Sky.
—PC Magazine, 2 Dec. 2025
The period detail is impressive, the storytelling is engrossing, and the overall impact is pleasantly enjoyable.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for engrossing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engrossing
Adjective
-
Rooms are in muted tones of grey, green, and dusky blue, and even the smallest have plenty of space with king-size beds and a table and chairs—the city views are more interesting, but the ones overlooking the courtyard have dinky Juliette balconies as a consolation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Just one last, quick point on your interesting interview with Governor Moore.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There’s familiarity there, but there’s also intriguing talent with Thompson.—
SportsDay Staff,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
The world is more interesting — more engaging but also more wondrous — when thought and care for aesthetics is built into even the most mundane tasks and objects.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The flashbacks to Emma’s adolescence, which Borgli films with some curiosity, are far more engaging than the film’s depictions of the chatty Boston bourgeoisie, which exude self-satisfied certainty.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2026
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
Adjective
-
These blue-absorbing pigments can sometimes cause people to see a red dot called Maxwell’s spot in the center of their vision.—
Nora Bradford,
Scientific American,
23 Mar. 2026
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On the right day, with enough time and space, the act of chopping, seasoning, and stirring can feel steady and absorbing.—
Michelle Beadle Holder,
SELF,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Try immersing it in cold water for about 30 minutes to help revive it—or incorporate it as an ingredient.—
Randi Gollin,
Martha Stewart,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Of course, your chair should make a visual statement, but no one wants a crick in the neck or a sore lower back after a day of immersing yourself in your latest fiction obsession.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Engrossing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engrossing. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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