fascinating

adjective

fas·​ci·​nat·​ing ˈfa-sə-ˌnā-tiŋ 

ˈfas-ˌnā-tiŋ

: extremely interesting or charming : captivating

a fascinating documentary

gave a fascinating account of the expedition

fascinatingly

ˈfa-sə-ˌnā-tiŋ-lē 

ˈfas-ˌnā-tiŋ-

adverb

Synonyms of fascinating

• appealing
• charismatic
• attractive
• charming
• interesting
• enchanting
• seductive

Examples of fascinating in a Sentence

the fascinating cities and peoples of central Asia have been intriguing travelers at least since the time of Marco Polo

the fascinating—but dubious—legend that Pocahontas rescued John Smith from certain death

Recent Examples on the Web

Lucien is devious and clever in not-especially-fresh ways but Christopher’s naked need for acceptance into Lucien’s world is easy to relate to, with the bonus entertainment value of both a criminal scheme that’s bound to go sideways and a sneak peek at the fascinating world of forgery. —Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026

Most fascinating was a trip down memory lane that found the singer alone on stage at a desk, with a laptop — a boy and his MacBook — spontaneously looking up old videos to sing along with, in the only part of the hour-and-a-half set that brought in any catalog material. —Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026

Every step of the tweed-weaving is fascinating. —Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026

But the most fascinating are the greenhouse suites, six in all, airy lofts with powder pink Venetian terrazzo floors and an adjoining orangery. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see fascinate

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fascinating

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

Kids Definition

fascinating

adjective

fas·​ci·​nat·​ing

ˈfas-ə-ˌnāt-iŋ

: extremely interesting or charming

fascinatingly adverb