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.
But after studying Indiana’s riveting head coach, Cuddy said Cignetti’s disposition is reinforced by a culture of accountability over theatrics. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026 Sure, the Pittsburgh Steelers coach could wring his hands over the impossibly thin line between victory and defeat, one his team received an up-close look at yet again in a riveting 26-24 win over Baltimore on Sunday night that clinched Pittsburgh's first AFC North title in five years. CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026 What follows is a riveting fantasy drama that inspires escapism and suspense in equal measure. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026 The resulting picture is tremendously enjoyable, riveting and rousing and tragic in equal measure, with numerous sequences that remain iconic to this day. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025 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 23 Jan. 2026.

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