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

Even if no scene is particularly riveting on its own, the film still comes together into something oddly compelling. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Consistently riveting and beautifully shot by Roger Deakins, this is top-tier Bond. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

However, anyone craving a smart, multi-layered crime thriller about moral choices, marital trust, the casualties of capitalism, and the divisions of social and class structures should check out the riveting High and Low. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

The Padres beat the Cubs in two games at Petco Park last week to sweep their Wild Card Series before losing two close, riveting games in Milwaukee. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1677, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for riveting

• pivoting