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

Books with captivating stories and bright, uncomplicated artwork will enchant the very young without being too demanding.

—Ed Zotti

A 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

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

Synonyms of captivating

• appealing
• charismatic
• attractive
• charming
• enchanting
• fascinating
• seductive

Examples of captivating in a Sentence

a captivating performance by the young singing sensation

Recent Examples on the Web

Onstage, Emily’s presence is truly captivating—not only because of her vocal skill, but also because of her remarkable acting ability. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

This captivating fruity-floral blend bursts with a juicy mix of peach, lychee, and bergamot. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 Mar. 2026

The fourth quarter was surreal, ridiculous, hilarious and genuinely captivating. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2026

Formula 1‘s new overtake and boost modes did produce some pretty captivating fights for position during last weekend’s Australian Grand Prix—particularly at the head of the pack and start of the race, between George Russell and Charles Leclerc. —Adam Ismail, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for captivating

• abdicating
• abrogating
• activating
• actuating
• advocating
• aggravating
• aggregating
• agitating
• allocating
• alternating
• animating
• annotating