absorbing

1 of 2

adjective

ab·​sorb·​ing əb-ˈsȯr-biŋ How to pronounce absorbing (audio)
-ˈzȯr-
Synonyms of absorbingnext
: fully taking one's attention : engrossing
an absorbing novel
absorbingly
əb-ˈsȯr-biŋ-lē How to pronounce absorbing (audio)
-ˈzȯr-
adverb

absorbing

2 of 2

present participle of absorb

Synonyms of absorbing

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Adjective

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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
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.
Adjective
Cooke samples an absorbing range of hoaxes, from the college students who convinced the world that an imaginary Scotsman had invented the electric toaster to the Chinese housewife who fabricated an entire war out of boredom. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026 Mindfulness or an absorbing activity can redirect attention from repetitive thoughts to the present. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 Over the record’s 33 minutes, Holden delivers an outstanding addition to his catalog that’s as absorbing and realist as any rap album this year. — Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for absorbing

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of absorb

First Known Use

Adjective

1806, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absorbing was in 1806

Rhymes for absorbing

See All Rhymes for absorbing

Browse Nearby Words

absorberman
absorbing
absorbingly
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Cite this Entry

“Absorbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absorbing. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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