captivating
adjective
cap·ti·vat·ing
ˈkap-tə-ˌvā-tiŋ 
: charmingly or irresistibly appealing
a captivating aroma
It's an utterly exotic combination of flavors, and a completely captivating one.—
Howard Seftel
Howard SeftelBooks with captivating stories and bright, uncomplicated artwork will enchant the very young without being too demanding.—Ed Zotti
Ed ZottiA captivating storyteller, he conveys the cozy domesticity of the small-time growers as well as the Technicolor style of life of the big deal-makers.—Alison Friesinger
Alison Friesinger
captivatingly
adverb
a captivatingly sweet voice
Each room is named for a month, and January through December are captivatingly filled with fanciful hearts, flowers, and vines that trail over the beds, chests, and wardrobes.
—Mimi Elder
Mimi Elder
Examples of captivating in a Sentence
a captivating performance by the young singing sensation
Recent Examples on the Web
The European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter mission recently captured a dramatic solar prominence rising from the edge of the sun, a rare and captivating sight even for mission scientists accustomed to our home star's constant activity.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 26 Nov. 2025
During the winter, Zurich's Landesmuseum transforms its inner courtyard into a captivating spectacle of lights, enchanting displays, and interactive exhibits for a magical ambience that visitors of all ages will enjoy.
—Omenaa Boakye, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2025
Last year, Watson nabbed the Berlin Silver Bear best supporting performance award for her captivating portrayal of the formidable Mother Superior of the Magdalene Laundries in Tim Mielants’ Small Things Like These.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 Nov. 2025
For his new single, Sebastian Yatra teams up with the Música Mexicana sensation on a hard-hitting and captivating reggaetón track with subtle Regional Mexican requintos co-produced by Manuel Lara and Andy Clay.
—Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivating
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Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 26 Nov. 2025
During the winter, Zurich's Landesmuseum transforms its inner courtyard into a captivating spectacle of lights, enchanting displays, and interactive exhibits for a magical ambience that visitors of all ages will enjoy.
—Omenaa Boakye, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2025
Last year, Watson nabbed the Berlin Silver Bear best supporting performance award for her captivating portrayal of the formidable Mother Superior of the Magdalene Laundries in Tim Mielants’ Small Things Like These.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 Nov. 2025
For his new single, Sebastian Yatra teams up with the Música Mexicana sensation on a hard-hitting and captivating reggaetón track with subtle Regional Mexican requintos co-produced by Manuel Lara and Andy Clay.
—Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/captivating. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
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