Synonym Chooser

How is the word captivate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of captivate are allure, attract, charm, enchant, and fascinate. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

charmed by their hospitality
her performances captivated audiences

When can allure be used instead of captivate?

In some situations, the words allure and captivate are roughly equivalent. However, allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

When could attract be used to replace captivate?

The meanings of attract and captivate largely overlap; however, attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

When would enchant be a good substitute for captivate?

While in some cases nearly identical to captivate, enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

When might fascinate be a better fit than captivate?

While the synonyms fascinate and captivate are close in meaning, fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of captivate Rad's clip became viral in a matter of days, amassing more than 4.7 million views since it was posted on April 20—and viewers are captivated. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 This voyage through the St. Lawrence Estuary—where river meets sea—is a perfect finale, showcasing the harmonious blend of culture and nature that defines this captivating region. Bonjour Québec, AFAR Media, 22 Apr. 2025 Punk legend turned pop sensation Billy Idol bares it all in this electrifying documentary, revealing his rise to fame, battle with addiction and triumphant comeback that captivated millions of fans worldwide. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025 Punk legend turned pop sensation Billy Idol bares it all in this electrifying documentary, revealing his rise to fame, battle with addiction and triumphant comeback that captivated millions of fans worldwide. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for captivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivate
Verb
  • Rather than being terrified or trying to kill her, Ravi is fascinated by her unusual condition.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Laura is particularly fascinated by all things aquatic, paleontology, nanotechnology, and exploring how science influences daily life.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jay Joyner, defensive end The Athletic, 5th round; PFF: 6th round, NFL.com: 5.97 (average backup or special teamer); RAS, 6.88 At 6-4, 262 pounds and with above-average testing, the Connecticut product will entice teams as an edge rusher.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Related article Marijuana ads are enticing kids to try weed, study says The potency of weed has skyrocketed over the years, which can heighten health risks and is leading to a global rise in marijuana addiction as well as cannabis use disorder, according to a 2022 study.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Others, many of them kids enchanted by this new trilogy of sci-fi adventures, were excited to return to Lucas’s extravagant universe.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Irresistibly magnetic, the film captures the band’s enchanting music and the deep bond between its members.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • He’s eventually charmed by his patient and relents but still insists on doing his rounds.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
  • And, naturally, Navarro was instantly charmed, dreamily melting into her chair as her fellow View cohosts all giggled.
    Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Just days ahead of her latest birthday, Burnett delighted fans with a guest appearance in the April 24 episode of Hacks.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The Packers delighted hometown fans by finally using a first-round pick on a receiver for the first time since 2002, selecting Texas wideout Matthew Golden, who covered 40 yards in a scorching 4.29 seconds at the scouting combine.
    Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After turning undead and hiding her bite wound, Mary easily gets permission to re-enter the building, and quickly seduces Stack, before murdering him and infecting him with the vampire curse.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • But the next pope may be seduced by that glitter again.
    Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Captivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivate. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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