Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for "engrossing"
Search instead for all-engrossing.
Synonyms

engrossing

American  
[en-groh-sing] / ɛnˈgroʊ sɪŋ /

adjective

  1. fully occupying the mind or attention; absorbing.

    I'm reading the most engrossing book.


engrossing British  
/ ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪŋ /

adjective

  1. so interesting as to occupy one's attention completely; absorbing

"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

Etymology

Origin of engrossing

First recorded in 1475–85; engross + -ing 2

Vocabulary lists containing engrossing

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.

See Examples For:

That engrossing yourself in every meticulous step — from measuring out your own leavening agents to bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature — is what qualifies as real baking.

From Salon Jun. 14, 2026

Readers will find engrossing case studies of well-known disasters such as the Titanic and the USS Indianapolis, as well as sections on bygone Viking wrecks and the mysterious “ghost ships” of seafaring lore.

From The Wall Street Journal May 22, 2026

Jack Thorne, who co-wrote last year’s prize-winning “Adolescence,” returns with another story of fractured childhood with an admirable, engrossing new adaptation of William Golding’s much-taught novel of boy castaways, “The Lord of the Flies.”

From Los Angeles Times May 4, 2026

"The surprise of Michael is how well it plays, and what an engrossing middle-of-the-road biopic it is," he said, praising its performances and cinematography.

From BBC Apr. 21, 2026

The guests were not disappointed: they had a very pleasant feast, in fact an engrossing entertainment: rich, abundant, varied, and prolonged.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training