absorbing

adjective

ab·​sorb·​ing əb-ˈsȯr-biŋ 

-ˈzȯr-

: fully taking one's attention : engrossing

an absorbing novel

absorbingly

əb-ˈsȯr-biŋ-lē 

-ˈzȯr-

adverb

Synonyms

• arresting
• consuming
• engaging
• engrossing
• enthralling
• fascinating
• gripping
• immersing
• interesting
• intriguing
• involving
• riveting

Examples of absorbing in a Sentence

shell collecting can be so absorbing that you don't notice the tide coming in

Recent Examples on the Web

Streaming on Hulu hulu Disclaimer Filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón wrote and directed this absorbing adaptation of the book by Renée Knight about a respected journalist (Cate Blanchett) who receives a novel that features her deepest secrets. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024

After an absorbing encounter in Charlotte, North Carolina, Colombia emerged to earn a meeting against defending champions Argentina in the Copa America final in Miami Gardens on Sunday. —Jack Lang, The Athletic, 10 July 2024

Several times in his absorbing narratives, King reaches for these sorts of indirect associations. —Jan Swafford, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024

The movie’s tender, restrained approach results in an absorbing undercurrent of tension and desire that permeates this sad yet entrancing love story. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of absorb

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above