absorbing

1 of 2

adjective

ab·​sorb·​ing əb-ˈsȯr-biŋ 

-ˈzȯr-

: fully taking one's attention : engrossing

an absorbing novel

absorbingly

əb-ˈsȯr-biŋ-lē 

-ˈzȯr-

adverb

absorbing

2 of 2

present participle of absorb

Synonyms of absorbing

Adjective

• interesting
• engaging
• intriguing
• fascinating

Examples of absorbing in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Its 14 essays comprise an absorbing investigation into the art of translation, the sheer pleasure of reading the classics, and the insights such reading can bring. — David Conrads, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026

Read Cep’s Profile of Kingsolver » Our editors and critics choose the most captivating, notable, brilliant, surprising, absorbing, weird, thought-provoking, and talked-about books. — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

The Aquarius Moon opposes Jupiter, making a big idea, trip, course, or new subject feel especially absorbing. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Tolstoy saw everything and had the grandeur of vision to be able to render it in one totally absorbing novel. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of absorb

First Known Use

Adjective

1806, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for absorbing

• adsorbing