as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest
a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in focusing
to fix (as one's attention) steadily toward a central objective
everyone riveted their eyes on the trick that the magician was performing on stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of riveting
Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026
Pages made the scenario his own by pulling off an implausible catch in the most riveting of moments against the Toronto Blue Jays, while extending the 2025 MLB season into extra innings.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 8 Mar. 2026
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
But what if the NFL did away with the not-exactly-riveting TV coin toss while also making coaches think twice about wanting to receive the ball in overtime?
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riveting
Adjective
Watching friendships play out on screen has always been riveting, as evidenced by the success of the Leslie Bibb/Carrie Coon/Michelle Monaghan storyline on The White Lotus last season.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026
Pages made the scenario his own by pulling off an implausible catch in the most riveting of moments against the Toronto Blue Jays, while extending the 2025 MLB season into extra innings.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone wondering how to make each hour in their workday riveting for television viewers.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
But what if the NFL did away with the not-exactly-riveting TV coin toss while also making coaches think twice about wanting to receive the ball in overtime?
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riveting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riveting
Adjective
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The towable home also boasts some interesting energy saving additions, including a passive heating system.—
Adam Williams
March 29,
New Atlas,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Another interesting area of study could be cavitation from boat or submarine propellers, pumps, and some sonar systems.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And again, as with hair shedding, lifestyle changes — such as focusing on scalp hygiene and stress reduction, and skipping tight hairstyles — can make a big difference.—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
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In her role, Tyson will lead day-to-day financial matters, overseeing all fiscal operations and long-term financial planning, focusing on budgeting, forecasting and revenue distribution.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Each program brought intriguing storylines, and some featured All-Americans who proved to be more than just ballers.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2026
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Fustic has always attracted an intriguing crowd—Messel’s social orbit famously overlapped with British royalty, and even Princess Margaret once stopped by during its transformation.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Gradually drizzle ¼ cup egg mixture into broth, concentrating in a single area; repeat with remaining egg mixture in ¼-cupfuls in different areas.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
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Breindel suggests that concentrating investment on audiences with higher conversion potential may help support stronger ROI and more efficient acquisition costs.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The new five-star luxury hotel in Rome has many stories to tell, but equally fascinating are the stories that are playing out today.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
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It’s surrounded by big, fascinating ideas rather than functioning as a source of them.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In this role, Lyles will direct the AJC’s social media strategy and how its essential and engaging journalism reaches audiences across platforms.—
Hugo Rojo,
AJC.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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With his just-off-the-Corn-Flakes-box fresh looks and bouncy resilience, the energetic Fox is an engaging and likeable protagonist.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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These blue-absorbing pigments can sometimes cause people to see a red dot called Maxwell’s spot in the center of their vision.—
Nora Bradford,
Scientific American,
23 Mar. 2026
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On the right day, with enough time and space, the act of chopping, seasoning, and stirring can feel steady and absorbing.—
Michelle Beadle Holder,
SELF,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riveting. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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