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Definitions

engage

[en-geyj] / ɛnˈgeɪdʒ /
VERB
hire for job, use
Synonyms
STRONGEST
employ enlist
STRONG
appoint bespeak book charter commission contract enroll ink lease place prearrange rent reserve retain secure
WEAK
bring on board come on board put on sign on sign up take on truck with
Antonyms
STRONGEST
shun
STRONG
cancel dismiss fire free let go lose reject spend
WEAK
banish break off break up decline defuse discharge disconnect eject expel give up oust refuse release surrender yield
VERB
occupy oneself; engross
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrest catch employ fascinate immerse interest involve join participate preoccupy undertake
STRONG
absorb allure bewitch busy captivate charm draw enamor enchant enthrall grip imbue monopolize partake practice soak tackle
WEAK
embark on enter into give a try give a whirl go for broke go in for go out for have a fling at have a go at have a shot at keep busy pitch in preengage set about take part tie up try on for size
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bore disenchant disinterest free ignore let go release
STRONG
disgust forget neglect offend repel repulse turn off
WEAK
discharge disconnect
VERB
promise to marry
Synonyms
STRONGEST
catch commit undertake
STRONG
affiance agree betroth bind contract covenant guarantee hook obligate oblige pass pledge tie vouch vow
WEAK
give one's word troth turn on
Antonyms
STRONG
break deny disagree disavow fail fall behind let off loose loosen lose refuse release unfasten untie
WEAK
banish break off break up cancel decline defuse discharge disconnect dismiss eject expel fire give up let go oust reject shun surrender yield
VERB
start a fight; attack
Synonyms
STRONGEST
face meet
STRONG
assail assault combat encounter launch strike
WEAK
do battle with fall on give battle to join battle with take on
Antonyms
STRONG
retreat surrender
WEAK
banish break off break up cancel decline defuse discharge disconnect dismiss eject expel fire give up let go oust refuse reject release shun yield
VERB
interconnect; bring into operation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
join lock
STRONG
activate apply attach dovetail energize fasten interact interlace interlock mesh
WEAK
get going intermesh interplay switch on
Antonyms
STRONG
detach disconnect disunite unfasten unlink
WEAK
banish break off break up cancel decline defuse discharge dismiss eject expel fire give up let go oust refuse reject release shun surrender yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I’m just not threatened by it . . . Ten years ago, I would have needed to engage a visual effects house at an unbelievable cost to come up with this stuff,” he said.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

Often we are working behind the scenes, trying to engage and impress our philosophy on management and the board.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

The civil case began when the U.S. federal government alleged Live Nation used its clout to engage in a variety of anti-competitive practices, including preventing venues from using multiple ticket sellers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

The University said it was continuing to engage in talks with the union.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

“The good soldier will always engage the enemy and retreat only if retreat will lead to victory.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Vocabulary lists containing engage

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Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" (1863)

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ACT Vocabulary List

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!