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Synonyms

absorbing

American  
[ab-sawr-bing, -zawr-] / æbˈsɔr bɪŋ, -ˈzɔr- /

adjective

  1. extremely interesting; deeply engrossing.

    an absorbing drama.


absorbing British  
/ -ˈzɔːb-, əbˈsɔːbɪŋ /

adjective

  1. occupying one's interest or attention; engrossing; gripping

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • absorbingly adverb
  • nonabsorbing adjective
  • unabsorbing adjective
  • unabsorbingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of absorbing

First recorded in 1745–55; absorb + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The performances are absorbing, though the fact that Anna and Jack are at odds for much of the six-part series is probably fortunate, because the actors are so stylistically incompatible.

From The Wall Street Journal

Analysts and automakers predict U.S. annual sales will fall in 2026 following three straight years of gains as belt-tightening American car buyers collide with tariff costs that companies probably won’t keep absorbing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many were still absorbing the almost unbelievable turn of events that has surely transformed the nation’s future — albeit in still unpredictable ways.

From Los Angeles Times

If switching off feels difficult, schedule something absorbing like exercise, seeing friends or doing something creative that fully occupies your attention.

From BBC

That makes the exhibition even more absorbing and the catalog essential reading.

From The Wall Street Journal