captivated 1 of 2

Definition of captivatednext

captivated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of captivate

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 captivated
Adjective
As the competitions unfolded, Rico found herself just as captivated as her daughter. Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026 The Secret History by Donna Tartt A group of gifted but isolated students at an elite New England college become captivated by their charismatic classics professor and his unconventional worldview. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 24 July 2026
Verb
With jurors expected to return early Wednesday, suspense is building as the crowd around the courthouse and millions online await the conclusion of a heartbreaking case that has captivated the nation. Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026 Both killings captivated the public and seemed tied to gang feuds involving the rap world. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivated
Adjective
  • For years, Coventry had lived a charmed life in the top flight, pulling off a few dramatic escapes either side of a glorious FA Cup success in 1987.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The actor discussed their charmed meet-cute on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2011.
    Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • As Oppenheim put it at the film’s Venice press conference, he’d long been fascinated by Hansen, and only became more so after his wife gifted him a Cameo from the host for his birthday.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Here are four more scammers who fascinated people on the internet – plus one who people thought was a scammer but turned out not to be.
    Owen Carry, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The fantasy comedy, which starred Eden alongside Larry Hagman, followed the whimsical adventures of astronaut Anthony Nelson, who discovers an enchanted lamp with a wish-granting genie.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Barratt plays Tom Riddle, a former Hogwarts student who meets Harry in the form of a mysterious voice magically scribbling messages through an enchanted notebook.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Senegal international is enticed by the option of joining Galatasaray and that presents an issue while the transfer window is open.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Marvel Studios began moving its production operations to Georgia, enticed by the state’s uncapped tax credits that could be used for actors’ salaries.
    Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Onscreen, his hands floated slowly across a sheet of paper, an entranced expression on his face.
    Thessaly La Force, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • Bay Area News Group After growing up in Baguio City in the Philippines, where dessert often meant treats like fresh mangoes, sticky rice or coconut candy, Elisa Sunga became entranced with baked desserts like cakes when her family moved to Antioch, in the East Bay area, in 2001.
    Kate Bradshaw, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • That opening-day land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom delighted families for 28 years, but officially closed in February 2026 to make way for an entirely new Tropical Americas land.
    Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In the last two months, New York City’s Radio City Music Hall hosted two ‘80s British music triple bills that delighted fans of the golden MTV era.
    David Chiu, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Navarrette plays the bewitched Nikki as a raw nerve, a woman whose unnatural devotion to her boyfriend has her swinging between terrifying extremes.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 18 May 2026
  • The kind of public living room, knitted into the social fabric of Powell’s native Dublin, that so bewitched Mester during their transatlantic courtship.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Captivated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivated. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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