1
as in to interest
to hold the attention of
the challenging jigsaw puzzle engaged us all evening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to commit
to obligate by prior agreement
we can't go to the dance because we're already engaged to attend a piano recital
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to employ
to provide with a paying job
the wealthy couple are looking to engage a handyman to take care of the estate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to hire
to take or get the temporary use of (something) for a set sum
my sister and her boyfriend have engaged a chauffeured limousine for the prom
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 engage
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—
Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 29 Jan. 2026
The sports world has also begun to engage.
—Steve Peoples, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026
Making games available on streaming platforms and the plethora of highlights on social media help to engage younger fans.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
This includes cultivating ties with national leaders, engaging local officials such as customs and immigration officers and securing contracts through regional development banks in order to place Chinese companies and personnel on the ground.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for engage
Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 29 Jan. 2026
The sports world has also begun to engage.
—Steve Peoples, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026
Making games available on streaming platforms and the plethora of highlights on social media help to engage younger fans.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
This includes cultivating ties with national leaders, engaging local officials such as customs and immigration officers and securing contracts through regional development banks in order to place Chinese companies and personnel on the ground.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for engage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engage
Verb
-
What interested me from the very start was a certain fundamental clash of cultures that the crime seemed to have exposed.—
Scott Eden,
Rolling Stone,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Pick a topic that interests you, and look for book recommendations made by experts in that field to work out which reads are worth your valuable time.—
Barnaby Lashbrooke,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Cubans already face constant blackouts and long lines at gas stations from a dwindling supply of fuel.—
Uriel Blanco,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Among the big names were Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, both of whom appeared to visit Epstein’s island before the financier faced federal charges in 2019.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Faced with lingering criticism from council members, Feldstein Soto agreed to help with the cost of the Gibson Dunn contract, committing $1 million from her office’s budget.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Many owners commit capital too quickly, not because the opportunity is strong, but because stillness feels uncomfortable.—
Lien De Pau,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The department did not respond to questions about the eight deputies are still employed.—
Christopher Damien,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Viewers are not expected to notice changes on NFL Network until April, when those employed by NFL Media become part of ESPN.—
Joe Reedy,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Orr, who also interviewed for the defensive coordinator job in Dallas before the team hired Parker, has experience coaching alongside head coach Brian Schottenheimer in 2021 with the Jacksonville Jaguars.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Jan. 2026
-
West Mesquite has hired Jeremy Williams from San Antonio Sam Houston as its next head football coach.—
Ishmael Johnson,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The restaurant has occupied the space for decades, sits steps from the ski lifts in Vail Village, and is a local favorite for skiers, tourists and locals alike.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Bonhams occupies what’s defined as the mid-range market, mostly offering lots priced between $50,000 to $1 million, while the top three — Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips — court sellers and buyers at the vertiginous top end.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
For Proust—who may have met Wilde and even been the subject of the older man’s amorous attention (though accounts of their meeting or meetings could be apocryphal)—his downfall showed that life featured far keener sorrows than those encountered in books.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
-
On January 19, CNN reported that Soltani was in good physical health and had been able to meet with his family, according to Hengaw and one of his relatives.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Hits previously reported a rumor that Grammy producers were trying to recruit The Life of a Showgirl singer for a performance.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Mariela Nisotaki’s role in helping identify and recruit Emiliano Buendia to Norwich City — a player later sold to Villa for £38million ($52m) — saw her rise from first-team scout to head of emerging talent, after roles at Swansea City and in Greece.—
Adam Leventhal,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Engage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engage. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
