riveting

adjective

riv·​et·​ing ˈri-və-tiŋ 

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

a riveting story

rivetingly

ˈri-və-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of riveting

• interesting
• intriguing
• fascinating
• engaging
• absorbing

Examples of riveting in a Sentence

a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class

Recent Examples on the Web

Norway's star forward Erling Haaland hasn’t played today, but fans expecting to see a high-scoring display haven’t been let down, as Ousmane Dembélé scored three goals in a riveting first half. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026

The show has a long history with Annecy, as WBA announced it here three years ago, before bringing it to a riveting work-in-progress session last year in Annecy as well. — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 25 June 2026

All of this, mind you, is far more riveting than the car chase scenes in Disclosure Day. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 June 2026

Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, and Chase Infiniti star in one of the most riveting movies of its era. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for riveting

• pivoting