engagement
12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for engagement, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A formal agreement to marry, or the period before a wedding.
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 engagement
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
engagement ring
speaking engagement
social media engagement
Etymology
From French engagement, from engage plus -ment.
Full origin of engagement →Frequently asked questions
What does “engagement” mean?
The word “engagement” means a formal agreement to marry, or the period before a wedding. In plain terms, a commitment to marry, a scheduled event, a military clash, or (online) audience interaction.
How do you pronounce “engagement”?
“Engagement” is pronounced ihn-GAYJ-muhnt (/ɪnˈɡeɪd͡ʒ.mənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “engagement” in a sentence?
Here is “engagement” used in a sentence: “They announced their engagement at the family dinner.”
What is another word for “engagement”?
Words with a similar meaning to “engagement” include commitment and action.
What is the opposite of “engagement”?
The opposite of “engagement” — its antonyms — are apathy and disengagement.
What part of speech is “engagement”?
“Engagement” is a noun.
Where does the word “engagement” come from?
The word “engagement” comes from French. From French engagement, from engage plus -ment.
Is “engagement” a common word?
“Engagement” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between an engagement and a wedding?
An engagement is the formal agreement to marry and the period of being promised before the marriage takes place. A wedding is the actual ceremony at which the couple marries, so the engagement comes first and the wedding follows.
What is the difference between an engagement and an appointment?
Both can mean a scheduled commitment, but 'engagement' often refers to a booked event where someone performs, speaks, or appears, such as a concert or lecture. 'Appointment' is more general and usually refers to an arranged meeting at a set time, such as with a doctor.
What is a 'speaking engagement'?
A 'speaking engagement' is a scheduled commitment to give a talk or presentation to an audience. It uses the sense of 'engagement' as an arranged appointment, especially one to perform or speak in public.
