riveting

adjective

riv·​et·​ing ˈri-və-tiŋ How to pronounce riveting (audio)
Synonyms of rivetingnext
: 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.
This was equal parts riveting and terrifying. Chris Branch, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 Netflix is one of the better streamers for reality TV, hosting hundreds of hours for your binging pleasure, from messy dating shows to riveting game show competitions. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026 Spliced between an intense single day in the present investigation and the twisted trajectory of the young lovers’ affair in the past, the series is both a unique crime story and a riveting, sexy, psychological thriller. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Feb. 2026 But to see the story unfold is just riveting. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026 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 12 Feb. 2026.

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