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Synonyms

engaging

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

adjective

  1. An image of the word engaging as defined by winning; attractive; pleasing.

    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.

See Examples For:

Behind the scenes, regional diplomats are engaging in furious shuttle diplomacy to avert renewed fighting.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026

After a protest campaign, in 1807 the U.K. government made engaging in the Atlantic slave trade illegal, and deployed its Royal Navy to intercept ships carrying slaves.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026

"Social media is an important means of accessing news and engaging in political communication for young Australians, including children under 16," the advocacy group argued in written submissions.

From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2026

As part of Sunday's event, attendees will be invited to complete surveys that organisers hope will help identify which activities and approaches are most effective at engaging men.

From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026

“I am not accusing you of engaging in boyish fancy. I am advising you to avoid the appearance of boyish fancy.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

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