riveting

1 of 2

adjective

riv·​et·​ing ˈri-və-tiŋ 

: having the power to fix the attention : engrossing, fascinating entry 1

a riveting story

rivetingly

ˈri-və-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

riveting

2 of 2

present participle of rivet entry 2

Synonyms of riveting

Adjective

• interesting
• intriguing
• fascinating
• engaging
• absorbing

Examples of riveting in a Sentence

Adjective

a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But the riveting middle of that journey was worth the disappointment of watching it peter out. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Not that Pattinson, who just keeps getting better, isn’t riveting to watch. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

Mann delivers a fascinating subversion of the genre, anchored by a riveting Caan performance and some of the most specific set design and camerawork of the director’s career. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026

Jacob Tremblay plays the titular domestic terrorist in this riveting biopic-meets-origin-story, with Russell Crowe as one such professor. — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1677, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for riveting

• pivoting