CAPTIVATING Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

captivating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkap-tə-ˌvā-tiŋ

Definition of captivating

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

She is perhaps best known for her slippery, captivating performance as the psychopathic lead of David Fincher’s 2014 hit Gone Girl. — Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 Rarely has nonfiction been this popular, this captivating, or this big a box office draw. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

Verb

What’s captivating about the film is how these two markedly different beings make sense of their passion and nurture it in an environment of scorn. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 Directly mirroring the music video, Yung Lean was flanked by a swath of dancers in school uniforms who rippled through captivating choreography created by Damien Jalet. — Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating

Adjective

The Max2 is an appealing option for content creators who want to take advantage of the creative possibilities of a 360-degree video camera, as well as surfers, snowboarders, motorcyclists, and others who want to get the whole world in the shot.

— Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2026
But what makes this jewelry trend especially appealing is the opportunity to make it entirely your own.

— Madeline Fass, Vogue, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of appealing

Verb

From bizarre medical tests to a mass phobia of beans, here are 14 surprising facts that reveal just how inventive, eccentric, and fascinating the ancient Greeks really were.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
The trailer promises fascinating new characters, like one man who lives on a sailboat for most of the year.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascinating

Adjective

The series will explore whether the accusations made against Gough, a charismatic TO-7 officer known for a string of organized crime takedowns, is a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat lurking in the shadows.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2026
In the 1930s, a charismatic Followers preacher named Walter White left Idaho for Oregon City, then a lively hub for the timber and paper industries.

— Noelle Crombie, ProPublica, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of charismatic

Verb

This democratization would be yet another brick in the road toward a new generation enticing the James Beard Awards to the city’s door.

— Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Chicago lawmakers are reluctant to help the Bears leave the city, which makes long-shot ideas like the Rate Field plan enticing.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of enticing

Adjective

Unfortunately, the American alternatives are not particularly attractive.

— Tal Feldman, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2026
His administration had promoted Paraguay as an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investment, emphasizing fiscal stability and economic modernization.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of attractive

Verb

Even the Owens family’s enchanting New England home, which the internet has spent nearly three decades foaming at the mouth over, is barely seen, as much of the film takes place overseas.

— Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2026
Practical Magic 2 has Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman enchanting a new generation of fans, but not everyone from the original cast returned for the sequel.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of enchanting

Adjective

Tangier is a charming tangle of small houses connected by narrow roads traversed by golf carts and exceedingly few cars.

— John Anglim, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026
Queenslanders are delightful and charming, and have become recognizable to millions of viewers around the world who tune into Brisbane's most famous export, Bluey.

— Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of charming

Adjective

The answer lay in Bridget Jones, which reimagines Wickham as the seductive Daniel Cleaver—Bridget’s bad news boss.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
The rising Slovak star made an impression, leading a troupe of dancers for a seductive performance with all the hallmarks of a wild night down at the Moulin Rouge.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of seductive

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captivates

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captivation

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“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of captivating

adjective

verb

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