captivating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkap-tə-ˌvā-tiŋ How to pronounce captivating (audio)
Definition of captivatingnext
as in appealing
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract a captivating performance by the young singing sensation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

captivating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of captivate
as in fascinating
to attract or delight as if by magic the clown captivated the toddlers with his balloon tricks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 captivating
Adjective
Her imagination was so captivating, and it was completely gone after six months. — Sheila Heti, The New York Review of Books, 21 July 2026 Of course, no World Cup performance would be complete without the captivating presence of Shakira. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 19 July 2026
Verb
Arthur Fery, a 23-year-old British wild card who grew up minutes from Wimbledon, has surged into his first major semifinal, captivating home crowds with Houdini-like comebacks. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Stacey Kent, Place des Festivals Stacey Kent brought her elegant, sophisticated jazz to the Place des Festivals stage, captivating audiences with her distinctive vocal style and effortless storytelling. — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
  1. appealing
  2. fascinating
  3. charismatic
  4. enticing
  5. attractive
  6. enchanting
  7. charming
  8. seductive
Adjective
  • Focus on the actual daily work of a potential new role, not just its appealing identity.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The quantity is appealing, but in the return from Atlanta, who is a true impact player/pitcher to help fill part of Skubal’s shoes?
    — Jesús Cano, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of appealing
Verb
  • Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.
    — Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.
    — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of fascinating
Adjective
  • Leatherwood will play Fox Thornton, Brendan’s best friend and fellow fisherman, a charismatic ladies’ man whose easy charm masks a deeper loyalty and vulnerability.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Leatherwood is set to play Fox Thornton, Brendan’s best friend and fellow fisherman, a charismatic ladies’ man whose easy charm masks a deeper loyalty and vulnerability.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of charismatic
Verb
  • Instead, the Rays used a less-enticing package to get Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets.
    — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Favorite examples include installing mirrors in elevators and enticing customers to tolerate waits with the promise of free goods or services.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Definition of enticing
Adjective
  • Venus enters Libra and your 9th House of Travel, Learning, and Perspective, making new ideas, cultures, conversations, and experiences feel especially attractive.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • But analysts see the slide as an attractive entry point for investors, highlighting the company's scalable licensing model and the potential for licensees to benefit from the next wave of data center growth.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of attractive
Verb
  • The rolling meadows, forests, and enchanting Monet gardens form an artistic canvas that complements the hotel’s interiors.
    — Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
  • The rookie showman is proving his mettle as part of the Caballero Circus, a five-generation family of performers, by enchanting audiences with his charismatic stage presence and sharp coordination.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Definition of enchanting
Adjective
  • Ovington Gardens and Ovington Square are both lined with charming Victorian townhouses—one of which has just hit the market.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026
  • An 8cm pile of true New Zealand wool gives this shag rug a charming bedhead quality.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of charming
Adjective
  • Sheer fabric gives way to a seductive ensemble, while also being breathable and airy for sunny afternoons.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026
  • McQueen starred opposite Faye Dunaway, who portrayed a beautiful and seductive investigator contracted to find the elusive heistman.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026
Definition of seductive

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captivating
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Cite this Entry

“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of captivating for Spanish Speakers

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