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
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
Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 4 June 2025
There was that dangerous and engrossing luxury hotel chain, a rebellious underground faction, the ultimate high-stress hospital and, just this weekend, the harrowing second chapter in a post-apocalyptic fungal zombie tale came to a grisly conclusion.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
But the majority of the images are engrossing, sensitive, and often startling portraits of famous people, including Joan Didion, Brice Marden, Kara Walker, Salman Rushdie, Billie Eilish, and Cindy Sherman.
—The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for engrossing
Adjective
In a deeply engrossing piece from this week’s issue, Shapiro explores how Earhart’s aviation career was largely orchestrated by her media-savvy husband, who pushed her to take greater and greater risks, despite her lack of experience as a pilot.
—Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 4 June 2025
There was that dangerous and engrossing luxury hotel chain, a rebellious underground faction, the ultimate high-stress hospital and, just this weekend, the harrowing second chapter in a post-apocalyptic fungal zombie tale came to a grisly conclusion.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
Verb
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
But the majority of the images are engrossing, sensitive, and often startling portraits of famous people, including Joan Didion, Brice Marden, Kara Walker, Salman Rushdie, Billie Eilish, and Cindy Sherman.
—The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for engrossing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engrossing
Adjective
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That brings up the interesting idea that the Red Sox could trade Chapman and still try to contend this year.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
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Today, the company prides itself on continuously adding to their menu with interesting doughnut variations and collaborations.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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General Manager Ryan Poles used trades and free agency to overhaul the middle of the offensive line, then selected intriguing targets Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III in the draft.—
Phil Rogers,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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Actually, one of the more intriguing names became available Monday, with the Wizards waiving Richaun Holmes.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Brisk and engaging, this 2014 novel invites readers to the set of a popular sitcom in 1960s London.—
Mia Barzilay Freund,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
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By giving you this kind of physical sensation, the experience becomes much more lifelike, making remote collaboration and communication feel even more natural and engaging.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 July 2025
Verb
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In between exploring Galicia’s storied cities, visitors should be sure to spend some time immersing themselves in the wilderness, with vast swathes of verdant forest to explore.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
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For example, the Kross Studio's Bat-Signal lamp illuminates, further immersing the collector into the universe of Gotham City and also conceals a dedicated space on his backside to safely store The Batman tourbillon or any other watch.—
Stéphane JG Girod,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The contrast between ancient history and modern life was fascinating.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
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Sam Amick wrote a fascinating notebook about the scene in Los Angeles, where both the Lakers and Clippers have prioritized flexibility this offseason with the future in mind.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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In this delightfully absorbing novel, an isolated house in the middle of a menacing desert landscape serves as the backdrop of a reality-TV competition.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
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Borrowing from a range of familiar sources, most notably the work of Octavia Butler, Thorne crafts a tense and absorbing story about the Freeman family’s attempt to survive in a world ravaged by disease, famine and a brutal civil war.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Engrossing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engrossing. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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