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

Sacred Fig is an absorbing examination of the status of women in the Middle East and a reminder that your father is a member of the very patriarchy that’s suppressing your freedoms. —Scott Phillips, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025

Fincher combines with esteemed screenwriter Aaron Sorkin in an absorbing, meticulous, and extraordinarily engaging cautionary tale of conflicted genius. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025

Critics called the book an astounding work of journalism, and praised Carrère for moulding a huge volume of material into such an absorbing narrative. —The Week Uk, theweek, 21 Dec. 2024

But soon the sense of it as a series of growing actions becomes deeply absorbing. —Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of absorb

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above