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
Cite this Entry
“Absorbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absorbing. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
