riveting

adjective

riv·​et·​ing ˈri-və-tiŋ How to pronounce riveting (audio)
: having the power to fix the attention : engrossing, fascinating
a riveting story
rivetingly adverb

Examples of riveting in a Sentence

a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There was a lot of back slapping over Test cricket after the riveting contest played between countries armed with billion-dollar broadcast deals plus a lion’s share of the International Cricket Council’s funding. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025 The record’s riveting narrative and political conscience stood out in an age of generic radio fare and overcautious stars. Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025 Directed by Garry Marshall, this comedy drama has a riveting, deeply ambiguous scene that can be considered a kind of acting triumph for Lohan, who plays a troubled young woman, Rachel, spending the summer with her stern grandmother (Jane Fonda). Tom Gliatto, People.com, 9 Aug. 2025 Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro's riveting novel (which was adapted into a movie in 2010) is part mystery, part love story, and part scathing critique of how humans treat the vulnerable and different in a world where people are disposable...and even replicable. Robert English, EW.com, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for riveting

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of riveting was in 1677

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riveting. Accessed 30 Aug. 2025.

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