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
Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
The result is an engrossing work of science fiction, particularly captivating for its apparent realism.
—Big Think, 19 Feb. 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
Ahead of a global tour in support of Oneohtrix’s engrossing eleventh studio album, Tranquilizer, Lopatin ran down a selection songs that have defined and shaped him over the last four decades, from Winthrop to today.
—Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
The result is an engrossing work of science fiction, particularly captivating for its apparent realism.
—Big Think, 19 Feb. 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
-
Ruby Mace The most interesting outsider.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Saturday’s 11th inning featured an interesting debate.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
-
In a video, students at Haverford High School and colleagues described Smith as passionate, caring, charismatic and engaging.—
Kelsie Hoffman,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
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The subject of this engaging biography is the eighteenth-and-nineteenth-century naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, who is often ridiculed as a faulty precursor to Darwin.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
20 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
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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
Adjective
-
The history of art reads here as one long, free verse poem-in-progress, gorgeous and absorbing.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
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,
10 Apr. 2026
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Frontman Dougy Mandagi relocated first to Berlin, immersing himself in electronic music, before returning to Indonesia.—
SPIN Staff,
SPIN,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Engrossing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engrossing. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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