engage
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for engage, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To hold someone's attention or interest.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use engage
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
engage the audience
engage in conversation
engage a lawyer
engage the clutch
Etymology
From Old French engagier ("to pledge"), from Frankish roots related to Proto-Germanic wadjōną ("to pledge, secure") — ultimately the same root as "wed."
Full origin of engage →Frequently asked questions
What does “engage” mean?
The word “engage” means to hold someone's attention or interest. In plain terms, to involve or connect with something — attention, conflict, employment, or mechanical parts, depending on context.
How do you pronounce “engage”?
“Engage” is pronounced ihn-GAYJ (/ɪnˈɡeɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “engage” in a sentence?
Here is “engage” used in a sentence: “The speaker engaged the audience with vivid stories.”
What is the opposite of “engage”?
The opposite of “engage” — its antonyms — is disengage.
What part of speech is “engage”?
“Engage” is a verb.
Where does the word “engage” come from?
The word “engage” comes from Old French. From Old French engagier ("to pledge"), from Frankish roots related to Proto-Germanic wadjōną ("to pledge, secure") — ultimately the same root as "wed.".
Is “engage” a common word?
“Engage” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “engage” have?
“Engage” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hold someone's attention or interest.
What is the difference between "engage in" and "engage with"?
You "engage in" an activity, meaning you take part in it, as in "engage in conversation" or "engage in negotiations." You "engage with" a person, idea, or piece of material, meaning you give it serious attention or interact with it, as in "students who engage with the text."
What is the difference between engage and involve?
"Involve" simply means to include someone or something in an activity or situation. "Engage" goes further, implying that attention or interest is actively held; a lesson can involve every student without truly engaging any of them.
