as in fascinates
to attract or delight as if by magic
the clown captivated the toddlers with his balloon tricks
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Recent Examples of captivates
The square shape here brings sophistication while the minty shade captivates anyone that comes your way.
—
Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
No flower captivates our attention quite like columbine (Aquilegia).
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
What happens when the spectacle of war no longer captivates the public?
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
Thats right, the very first episode of the quiz show that still captivates America aired back on March 30, 1964, hosted then by Art Fleming.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Mar. 2026
There is no player who captivates Hornets fans, NBA fans, social media and all in this market the way LaMelo does.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026
For McMechan, the ensemble that captivates her most is Stray Kids.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Their dazzling play captivates the city, and has for some time now.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026
Along with the astonishing views of the Uinta Mountains, the Aspen Camp neighborhood inside the gates of the exclusive Promontory community captivates with a collection of ultramodern homes designed to immerse residents in Park City’s rugged beauty.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
No flower captivates our attention quite like columbine (Aquilegia).
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
What happens when the spectacle of war no longer captivates the public?
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
Thats right, the very first episode of the quiz show that still captivates America aired back on March 30, 1964, hosted then by Art Fleming.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Mar. 2026
There is no player who captivates Hornets fans, NBA fans, social media and all in this market the way LaMelo does.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026
For McMechan, the ensemble that captivates her most is Stray Kids.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Their dazzling play captivates the city, and has for some time now.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026
Along with the astonishing views of the Uinta Mountains, the Aspen Camp neighborhood inside the gates of the exclusive Promontory community captivates with a collection of ultramodern homes designed to immerse residents in Park City’s rugged beauty.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivates
Verb
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The cause of brain freeze fascinates neurologists and Slurpee lovers alike, and the science behind it is especially captivating.—
Julia Daye,
Popular Science,
2 Apr. 2026
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Despite being so vocal, Cudi still retains a mystique quality that fascinates fans.—
Kailyn Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Loot boxes in the crosshairs James alleges Valve entices players to pay for a chance to win a rare virtual item, and that those rare items can be traded for real money in accordance with their rarity.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Your starter entices with a spicy-tangy flavor, leading into the classic roasted chicken entree.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Ella has shades of Holly Hunter's intense, workaholic producer Jane from Brooks' 1987 masterpiece Broadcast News, the smartest person in any room who both exhausts and enchants everyone around her.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Time,
12 Dec. 2025
-
By bringing these three gestures together, Killam fashions a method that repairs, strengthens, and re-enchants the invisible social fabric that sustains us.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
27 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Jacek Krywko,
Scientific American,
10 Apr. 2026
-
These fans, along with residents, will move around the city to watch matches at Arrowhead (renamed Kansas City Stadium for the event), go to the fan fest and take in all the culinary delights the Heart of America has to offer.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Intrigued, the Duke secretly seduces Gilda, breaks her heart and destroys Rigoletto’s life.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The victim of his sacrifice is Gretchen, a virgin whom Faust seduces and abandons in his devilish reverie, and who kills their illegitimate child.—
Merve Emre,
New Yorker,
1 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivates. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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