engrossed

[en-grohst] / ɛnˈgroʊst /

ADJECTIVE

preoccupied; attentive to

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absorbed captivated consumed engaged enthralled submerged

STRONG

bugged busy fascinated gone gripped hooked immersed intrigued lost monopolized occupied riveted

WEAK

all wound up assiduous caught up caught up in deep diligent fiend for head over heels heavily into hung up industrious intent into rapt really into sedulous taken up with tied-up turned on up to here in wrapped-up

Antonyms

STRONG

existing idle inactive

WEAK

bored disenthralled disinterested ignoring inattentive oblivious uncaring uninterested unoccupied

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.

He keeps readers engrossed by methodically recounting the specifics of police work, including the business of obtaining warrants and interrogating witnesses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

"This is all dog content, when will the cat programme be on?" one person engrossed in the service wrote in the chatroom on PetTV's streaming page.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Mr. Steele is also engrossed by the meltdown at the Heritage Foundation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

When Molly read the book, as a 12-year-old, "I'm not sure that I ever looked up from it. I was totally engrossed."

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

It took me a moment to realise, so that by the time I turned back to her she was breathing over her fingers and looking down, engrossed by something beside her feet.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Vocabulary lists containing engrossed

The Great Gatsby

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

50 Words from Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!