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
Ana Osorno, Them., 21 Nov. 2025
At first, the scene feels like an engrossing, elevating prelude.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2025
Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025
While completely different in subject and tone—one is about a missing baby, the other about an ambitious heist—the Swedish TV series Snow Angels and the South African geopolitical police procedural Leo are engrossing enough to distract from whatever’s troubling you now.
—Lisa Henricksson, airmail.news, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for engrossing
Adjective
An engrossing page-turner that can be casually enjoyed or deeply pondered, the brilliant debut Great Black Hope announces Rob Franklin as an author to watch.
—Verb
The rest of the album is engrossing film-score flotsam.
—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.—
-
Seeing these guys unapologetically portrayed by an actor whose superpower is the audience is always with him was interesting.—
Verb
-
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.—
-
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.—
Adjective
-
Their ongoing collaboration makes for an eclectic and engaging body of work.—
-
Another way to make snowshoeing even more engaging?—
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.—
Adjective
-
Its quick-absorbing formula feels weightless on the skin—a plus in sensitive, post-treatment times.—
-
Béla Tarr, a giant of world cinema whose absorbing, challenging films helped define the minimalist arthouse style named slow cinema, died on Monday.—
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.—
-
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.—
Cite this Entry
“Engrossing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engrossing. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share