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
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 Spain’s victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup cemented the country’s status as soccer’s new powerhouse, with a fearless young squad that captivated fans from the opening whistle to the final. Leen Al Saadi, Vogue, 23 July 2026
Verb
Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon is a transformative bildungsroman of one Milkman Dead, who spends his life captivated by the possibility of flight in all its many forms. Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 Television networks had broadcast the unfolding hostage situation live, and the violent end captivated the American public. Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 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
  • Cronenberg is fascinated by a body that is taken apart and reimagined.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
  • However, rather than the courageous grand duchesses who fought for the freedom of their people far away, the author was fascinated by the suffragette movement of the 1910s.
    Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Picture of Dorian Gray An enchanted portrait and a life of debauchery are at the core of this lavish literary horror by Oscar Wilde.
    Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Six years later, Frozen 2 took the story beyond Arendelle, as Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff traveled into an enchanted forest to uncover the source of Elsa’s powers and learn more about their family’s past.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 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
  • Their remarks earned cheers and applause, which delighted Demos.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In Darwin’s time violet helleborines didn’t grow around Down House—they’ve been introduced by the gardeners—but Darwin would have been delighted.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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