as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest
shell collecting can be so absorbing that you don't notice the tide coming in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in drinking
to take in (something liquid) through small openings
most of the spilled water was absorbed by the tablecloth
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in intriguing
to hold the attention of
chatting on the phone doesn't absorb me so much that I can't do something else at the same time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in integrating
to make a part of a body or system
local schools will seek to absorb the new immigrants into the regular curriculum as quickly as possible
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in draining
to make complete use of
cleaning the house absorbed the rest of his energy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in tolerating
to put up with (something painful or difficult)
somehow she managed to absorb whatever hardships life offered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of absorbing
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2025
The emerging miners, exposed directly to the flash during its first split second, were covered in flash-absorbing black.
—Charles Pellegrino, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025
The Athletic Tennis Staff, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Because of its sponge-like texture, versatile eggplant is perfect for absorbing spices and seasonings.
—Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absorbing
Adjective
His group is developing hybrid hinges that combine the precision and strength of rigid joints with the shock-absorbing, compliant properties of biological joints, potentially unlocking extra degrees of freedom in shoulders or knees for more lifelike motion.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2025
The emerging miners, exposed directly to the flash during its first split second, were covered in flash-absorbing black.
—Charles Pellegrino, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
Aryna Sabalenka curbed her natural instincts to beat Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(3) in an absorbing women’s final, before Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner contested their third Grand Slam final in a row — a record in the Open Era of men’s tennis.
—The Athletic Tennis Staff, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Because of its sponge-like texture, versatile eggplant is perfect for absorbing spices and seasonings.
—Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absorbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absorbing
Adjective
-
So, ask yourself, Is my profile accurate, up-to-date, relevant, interesting, impressive, and credible?—
William Arruda,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
What makes the show interesting, however, isn’t just the chemistry between the trio of anchors, though that is certainly part of the equation.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Anyone who’s drinking hot pumpkin spice lattes in a chunky sweater may need to rein it in for a little while.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Sheen and Peele were on a plane and tensions were already high between the two — while Sheen started drinking heavily in his seat.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Another way Dr Pepper is evolving its storytelling is integrating into existing programming like The Pat McAfee Show during the show’s signature commercial-free hour.—
Kristi Dosh,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
For Yang’s microscope, the network instantly reconstructs high-resolution details across a large 3D volume, integrating data from all 100 lenslets into a single coherent image.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The bowls have wavy, scalloped edges that give it an artisanal look as well as holds and cutouts for draining any lingering water.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Use fertile, moist, slightly acidic soil that’s well-draining, and amend it with compost or other organic matter.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Shumard oaks are fast growing and incredibly adaptable, tolerating drought, wind, and urban conditions including pollution.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Trump has said that those duties are to hold those nations accountable for tolerating the flow of the deadly drug fentanyl into the United States.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Its plots were familiar yet engaging, and its characters were the kind viewers wanted to spend time with week after week.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The process of sitting became vitally important to Bella, as did proving herself an engaging enough companion.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
She was seen sipping a glass of red wine at her birthday dinner party and blowing out the candles on her birthday cake.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Adults can stroll the grounds sipping beer and wine, which are sold on site.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As in his previous films, a clanking, rattling soundscape constructed entirely in post is an artisanal marvel, immersing viewers both in the perilous metallic din of a maybe-sinking ship, and the comforting artifice of analog movie-making.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
31 Aug. 2025
-
While each room features gas fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows—perfect for immersing yourself in the dense pine forest and Sierra Nevada mountain views—there’s plenty to keep you occupied on the grounds as well.—
Christina Pérez,
Vogue,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Absorbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absorbing. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share