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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.

He said that counsel had timely made the Batson objection and attempted to engage the three-step process but that the third step never occurred.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

De Zerbi's centre-backs often provoke opponents by placing their studs on top of the ball - a sort of psychological trick that causes a striker to leave their shape and engage.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The opportunity to actually engage with the multitude of conditions that may incite that violence feels unique and desperately needed.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

What are some strategies to engage with the arts in a meaningful way when people have limited time and energy?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

“Are merely the haystack. Designed to engage all our attention and make the needle within impossible to see.”

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood