as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest
a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
In addition, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt came together for a riveting tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.
—Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riveting
Adjective
McCraney and André Holland — who’s riveting as the older of the brothers, Ogun Size — are also bringing a deep working relationship to bear.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
In addition, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt came together for a riveting tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.
—Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
What makes the best podcasts riveting?
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riveting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riveting
Adjective
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The bottom line There are worthwhile pieces at the top of the lineup and some interesting additions to the mix, but the Islanders’ biggest reasons for long-term, legitimate excitement are Schaefer’s arrival and a fresh approach in the front office that has already seemed to pay dividends.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
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At 32 years old, Weaver is unlikely to receive a long-term deal, so his free agency will be interesting in terms of length and value for a pitcher past his prime looking to convert back from the bullpen to the starting rotation.—
Andrew Wright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This can be as simple as bodyweight movements, resistance bands or dumbbells, focusing on compound/functional movements like squats, pushes and pulls.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
27 Sep. 2025
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According to Amrine, the staff told the team to keep focusing on themselves regardless of the score.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Making the succession more intriguing, Catz has been elevated to the board of directors with a previously unheard-of title, while founder Larry Ellison continues as chairman of the board and chief technology officer, but with duties that are by no means transparent.—
Geoff Colvin,
Fortune,
24 Sep. 2025
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Then the story got bigger, more intriguing and human.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The partnership reflects a broader industry shift as buy-now, pay-later providers expand their focus into physical retail after initially concentrating on e-commerce.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
26 Sep. 2025
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Signs of psychosis can include hearing, seeing, or believing things that others don't, suspiciousness or extreme uneasiness, inappropriate emotions and trouble concentrating.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The psychology of crime is absolutely fascinating.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The story is really engaging, and the characters are very compelling too.—
Jenny S. Li,
Variety,
20 Sep. 2025
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Seated at a grand piano, Batiste opened with a 25-minute solo set that showcased his charismatic stagecraft, alternately dazzling and earthy keyboard work, soaring vocals and ability to fuse different styles into a wonderfully engaging musical gumbo.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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An ancillary of the brand’s best-selling, ambery-woody eau, each aluminum tube contains a quick-absorbing lotion that lavishes skin with moisture, keeping hands feeling comfortable and cuticles softened with its moisturizing blend of avocado oil, shea butter, plus green tea and chamomile extracts.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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The fast-absorbing, spreadable formula is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and layers beautifully under makeup.—
Sarah Y. Wu,
Glamour,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riveting. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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