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
Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
Most recently, WrestleMania 40 in 2024 Night 1 kicked off with a high-stakes six-man tag team match featuring prominent figures, underscoring the importance WWE places on a captivating start to their flagship event.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 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
This tree definitely has a flair for the dramatic, performing well throughout the South, displaying flowers up to 1 foot wide, growing as tall as 80 feet (depending on selection), featuring glossy evergreen foliage, and exuding a captivating scent that draws your attention.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
Most recently, WrestleMania 40 in 2024 Night 1 kicked off with a high-stakes six-man tag team match featuring prominent figures, underscoring the importance WWE places on a captivating start to their flagship event.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 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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Stronger enforcement of equal pay laws, pay transparency regulations, a higher minimum wage, policies to align school and work schedules, and again, paid leave could all make being a working mother a more equitable—and therefore appealing—experience.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
23 Apr. 2025
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Studies suggest their vibrant color makes food more appealing and could even increase appetite.—
Sony Salzman,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Thankfully, Istanbul’s short-term stays are just as charismatic as the city itself.—
Bailey Berg,
Architectural Digest,
1 May 2025
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The remarkable life and afterlife of Malcolm X This month marks the 100th birthday of Malcolm X, the charismatic and defiant Black leader who electrified America with his blunt talk on civil rights, before he was murdered in 1965.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
1 May 2025
Verb
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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
-
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
Adjective
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The vast majority of the city’s industrial jobs remained low paying, dangerous, and only attractive to the most desperate Americans until the 1940s.—
Made by History,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
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While sunbathing at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the actress Norma Shearer noticed an attractive young man at poolside talking on a telephone.—
Thomas Doherty,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Bringing in this charming, unpredictable element illustrates Rowlson-Hall’s approach to embracing life in all its beauty and complications.—
Laura Regensdorf,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2025
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Jacquemus Opens Los Angeles Boutique—Attendees For Opening Include Lori Harvey And Laura Harrier Nestled in the heart of West Hollywood, French fashion house Jacquemus has unveiled its new boutique within a charming rustic home.—
Mecca Pryor,
Essence,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In a kingdom where beauty is a brutal business, Elvira will compete with the beautiful and enchanting Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss) to become the belle of the ball in a film that bitingly examines body image and beauty standards.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
18 Apr. 2025
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Emotive, enchanting and exotic, the track weaves kalimba and chanting vocals with soft, brooding piano and string parts — and even a subtle harp.—
Katie Bain,
Billboard,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Over the years, the city has developed a thriving drinking and dining scene that encompasses spirits and cultures from all across the globe, and there’s no shortage of fascinating educational institutions to visit as well, with topics spanning from sports to fine arts to wildlife conservation.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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The last time Inter visited Barcelona for a Champions League semi-final, back in April 2010, the night teemed with fascinating subplots.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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No, what makes this French-language show about French history so extra, incredibly French is the namesake protagonist: a dashing, seductive, single-earring-wearing spy who also happens to be a founding father of haute cuisine.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2025
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The hotel is also home to a great wine cellar and tons of seductive paths that wind in and out of the vineyards.—
Liza B. Zimmerman,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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