riveting

1 of 2

adjective

riv·​et·​ing ˈri-və-tiŋ 

: having the power to fix the attention : engrossing, fascinating entry 1

a riveting story

rivetingly

ˈri-və-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

riveting

2 of 2

present participle of rivet entry 2

Synonyms of riveting

Adjective

• interesting
• intriguing
• fascinating
• engaging
• absorbing

Examples of riveting in a Sentence

Adjective

a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This tension unfolds with riveting restraint in a story set in 1960s Nagaland — the eastern Indian state on the Burmese border — following the principled chief of a waning tribe, and the arrival of an American missionary. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026

What follows is some of the most riveting and distressing testimony ever delivered in such a setting. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

After a riveting night of dance from the male contestants, the ladies took to ballroom floor by storm. — Colleen Kratofil, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

Ridley Scott was that rarest of beasts in Hollywood, a guy who could make one riveting blockbuster after another while maintaining absolute creative integrity. — Jimmy Chin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1677, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for riveting

• pivoting