as in appealing
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract
a captivating performance by the young singing sensation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in fascinating
to attract or delight as if by magic
the clown captivated the toddlers with his balloon tricks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of captivating
Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Folk Rock Since the twenty-tens, the L.A. folk-rock band Lord Huron has offered a captivating take on Americana, filled with vagabonds and pariahs hoping to avoid haunted afterlives.
—Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 25 July 2025
Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Oscar-winning actors embody roles in an authentic way, captivating audiences and serving stories that transcend their selves.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
Here, guests will meet their dedicated trackers to embark on a captivating nature drive, keeping a keen eye out for desert elephants, oryx, zebra and springbok.
—Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Folk Rock Since the twenty-tens, the L.A. folk-rock band Lord Huron has offered a captivating take on Americana, filled with vagabonds and pariahs hoping to avoid haunted afterlives.
—Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 25 July 2025
Verb
Few shows are as visually alluring and simultaneously captivating in their storytelling as The White Lotus.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Oscar-winning actors embody roles in an authentic way, captivating audiences and serving stories that transcend their selves.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
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The work to make merchandise more appealing will continue, Fiddelke said Wednesday.—
Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
20 Aug. 2025
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For many, simply sitting on the couch at home with a dog by their side remains more appealing than slipping into VR.—
Mack DeGeurin Aug 20,
Popular Science,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Williams, the charismatic GM of the 76ers, left his gig in Philly to lead Orlando’s expansion push.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
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Through vivid, often surprising portraits — like that of a charismatic preacher offering unsparing historical tours, or a woman who proudly inhabits the persona of a Southern belle — the film captures the contradictions and complexities of a community living within the shadow of its own mythology.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Nearly all bird species feed their young insects, so planting native greenery that attracts bugs can be enticing to hummingbirds.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2025
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Experts say the falling rate could thaw the largely frozen housing market by enticing buyers off the sidelines.—
Kevin Williams,
Quartz,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Like during past periods of uncertainty, such as the 2008 financial crisis or early Covid-19 years, some companies may be available at more attractive entry points.—
Lisya Bahar Manoah,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
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Thus, the poorest countries in Central America, Central and South Asia, and Africa are likely to become stuck in the economic lowlands with little means of exit while the larger, geopolitically significant emerging markets will, relatively speaking, become more attractive.—
Adam S. Posen,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Neither Oh’s dizzy countess nor Nyong’o’s charming, feckless Viola ever takes the reins of this production, but that would be hard to do.—
Helen Shaw,
New Yorker,
22 Aug. 2025
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From cozy one-bedrooms in the heart of the city to charming houses a mere bike ride away from the center, these 12 Copenhagen Airbnbs are at the top of our wish list.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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That’s the magic of Dr. Seuss—the silliness and the whimsy of his books is so enchanting.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Aug. 2025
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Soak up onsen culture at Ginzan, one of Japan’s most enchanting bathing destinations.—
Zoe Baillargeon,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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From Jupiter’s swirling storms to Neptune’s icy depths, planets across our solar system are orbited by a fascinating cast of moons.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The ladylike outfit—consisting of a square-neck, mid-sleeve, calf-length bodycon dress paired with mesh stilettos and ’90s-style sunglasses—is not only super seductive but timeless too.—
Laura Tortora,
Glamour,
14 Aug. 2025
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This seductive blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, was filled with complexity and opulence.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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