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Synonyms

engaging

American  
[en-gey-jing] / ɛnˈgeɪ dʒɪŋ /

adjective

  1. winning; attractive; pleasing.

    an engaging smile.

    Synonyms:
    agreeable, charming

engaging British  
/ ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ /

adjective

  1. pleasing, charming, or winning

"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 engaging

First recorded in 1665–75; engage + -ing 2

Explanation

A story, song, or person that is engaging is entertaining, fun, and interesting — you want to see or hear more. To remember the meaning of engaging, it might help to think of what engaged means. When a couple is engaged, they've agreed to get married. When something or somebody is engaging, you want to spend more time with them too. Boring is the complete opposite of engaging. Think of your favorite movie or TV show — especially one you can't stop watching — it must be very engaging.

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Vocabulary lists containing engaging

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.

If a video isn’t engaging enough, or if it bears obvious signs of being faked, Polymarket will ask for the videos to be reshot, the creators said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026

Brian said while getting a Playground meant they "compromised on increased screen time", the games were still engaging in a way that he believed "typical cartoons or movies" were not.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026

Police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe told AFP that intelligence officers were monitoring social media and engaging platforms where necessary.

From Barron's • Jun. 19, 2026

The state is seeking a “cease and desist” order to stop the insurer from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026

For an instant, the coyote pulled back, seeming surprised that the small fox was engaging him.

From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker

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