riveting
adjective
riv·et·ing
ˈri-və-tiŋ 
: having the power to fix the attention : engrossing, fascinating
a riveting story
Synonyms
Examples of riveting in a Sentence
a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class
Recent Examples on the Web
The evening culminated in a riveting jazz performance by virtuoso Aaron Diehl and the Ellington Alumni Jazz Orchestra.
—
Zachary Schwartz, Vogue, 16 Nov. 2023
The steady pacing as Schoomaker holds onto Lily Gladstone’s quiet performance makes for the film’s most riveting and powerful moments.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 Nov. 2023
But for eight riveting minutes, Mizu turns this dangerous terrain into an advantage, defying the laws of physics multiple times while carving the Fangs up into little pieces.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2023
Some of his dialogue scenes — including a riveting colloquy between the questing Marianne and the questioning bishop — have the shape, rhythm and sorrowful wit of a Sondheim song.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2023
The outcome of the trial is, in a way, the movie’s least riveting aspect.
—Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Oct. 2023
The nearly seven-minute rendition of the song, which Isbell wrote while on set in Oklahoma filming Martin Scorsese’s Killer of the Flower Moon, culminates in a riveting dueling guitar solo from Isbell and guitarist Sadler Vaden.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2023
Join Amber and fellow writers for a riveting and powerful afternoon of performances aimed at filling you up with creative and political inspiration.
—Vulture, 16 Oct. 2023
As fascinating as the mammal is, a four-hour series centering on its origins, decline and revitalization wouldn’t exactly be riveting for a general audience.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Oct. 2023
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Zachary Schwartz, Vogue, 16 Nov. 2023
The steady pacing as Schoomaker holds onto Lily Gladstone’s quiet performance makes for the film’s most riveting and powerful moments.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 Nov. 2023
But for eight riveting minutes, Mizu turns this dangerous terrain into an advantage, defying the laws of physics multiple times while carving the Fangs up into little pieces.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2023
Some of his dialogue scenes — including a riveting colloquy between the questing Marianne and the questioning bishop — have the shape, rhythm and sorrowful wit of a Sondheim song.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2023
The outcome of the trial is, in a way, the movie’s least riveting aspect.
—Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Oct. 2023
The nearly seven-minute rendition of the song, which Isbell wrote while on set in Oklahoma filming Martin Scorsese’s Killer of the Flower Moon, culminates in a riveting dueling guitar solo from Isbell and guitarist Sadler Vaden.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2023
Join Amber and fellow writers for a riveting and powerful afternoon of performances aimed at filling you up with creative and political inspiration.
—Vulture, 16 Oct. 2023
As fascinating as the mammal is, a four-hour series centering on its origins, decline and revitalization wouldn’t exactly be riveting for a general audience.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'riveting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1677, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to riveting
Dictionary Entries Near riveting
Cite this Entry
“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riveting. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
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