as in to fascinate
to attract or delight as if by magic
the clown captivated the toddlers with his balloon tricks
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of captivate
Before becoming an Academy Award-winning actress, activist, and fitness pioneer, Fonda captivated audiences in Barbarella with fearless fashion, futuristic beauty, and unforgettable blonde hair.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
25 June 2026
The big and bright WUXGA (1,920-by-1,200) display is immediately captivating, with good color quality and contrast.
—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
25 June 2026
The city also boasts 324 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters, shaping the iconic skyline that continues to captivate visitors thanks to landmarks including the Empire State Building, the city’s illuminated bridges, and of course, the bright lights of Times Square.
—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
24 June 2026
There’s Kimi Antonelli’s sudden rise, which so far seems to be one for the ages, while George Russell’s run of misfortune is certainly captivating.
—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
25 June 2026
The big and bright WUXGA (1,920-by-1,200) display is immediately captivating, with good color quality and contrast.
—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
25 June 2026
The city also boasts 324 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters, shaping the iconic skyline that continues to captivate visitors thanks to landmarks including the Empire State Building, the city’s illuminated bridges, and of course, the bright lights of Times Square.
—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
24 June 2026
There’s Kimi Antonelli’s sudden rise, which so far seems to be one for the ages, while George Russell’s run of misfortune is certainly captivating.
—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivate
Verb
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Like countless others, I was fascinated by the intersection of medicine, epidemiology, and emerging pathogens that the book portrayed.
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Hornets have ‘totally reshaped that frontcourt’ Kevin O’Connor, Yahoo sports podcaster and writer, is fascinated by the trade on both sides.
Verb
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Obviously, Donnie being over there was enticing to me.
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For American diners of diverse backgrounds, chop suey struck an enticing balance between novelty and decipherability, which propelled it to national popularity even as the US government moved to exclude Chinese laborers from entering the country in 1882.
Verb
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After Scotland’s beer-guzzling fans charmed locals in Boston, the Tartan Army’s party has decamped to the heat of Miami for a clash with five-time champion Brazil.
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The five-time champion may have charmed the world over the decades, but now finds itself in a bit of a dry spell, thirsty for a sixth victory.
Verb
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Adding secondary maturations into the bourbon lineup is likely going to divide longtime Four Roses fans, delighting some and infuriating others.
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That is probably what surprised, and delighted, me the most.
Verb
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The writer thinks that the person seducing the main character is just some flotsam, hardly worth a second look.
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Blyth was nominated in the supporting role as Mildred's spoiled daughter, Veda, who seduces her mother's second husband (Zachary Scott), then riddles him with bullets in a jealous rage.
Cite this Entry
“Captivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivate. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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