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
One hundred participants were presented with a series of images showcasing the airport runways, and their visual engagement was measured using eye-tracking technology to determine the most captivating landings. — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026 Mamoru Hosoda is a modern master, and this fantasy-action movie remains one of his most captivating. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
The Massachusetts mother at the center of an ongoing murder trial for the killings of her three children is captivating the internet and social media. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The 17-year-old’s performance in Aston Villa’s 2-1 Super Cup defeat against Paris Saint-Germain was captivating for several reasons. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 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
  • Among the 3,000 buildings the first licensed Black architect designed, from private residences to hotels, some of his most appealing—including one that formerly housed actor Denzel Washington’s family—can be found in Toluca Lake.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Another clear indication of a franchise running on fumes is that its most appealing element is now increasingly convoluted and tedious.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 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
  • Still, charismatic leaders who have pushed for dollarization have failed to date, suggesting that the patient may not want the money doctor’s medicine.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Written by Power and Daniel Sweren-Becker, Love Love follows a struggling tennis phenom who falls for a charismatic local ball boy at the US Open.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of charismatic
Verb
  • In his executive order, DeSantis noted the charges Caruso is facing, which include lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, kidnapping, child abuse causing mental injury, and luring or enticing a child.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Fall fashion tends to kickstart our lust for the new season as brands start to launch enticing pre-fall collections.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of enticing
Adjective
  • Using Stainless Polish On Your Fridge On the one hand, using stainless polish to clean a stainless steel fridge leaves a bright, attractive, reflective finish—but there’s a downside.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Shaped like a giant leaf, this attractive play mat comes with six hanging plush toys that can be detached when your baby is ready for tummy time games.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 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
  • Dykstra’s drawings are beautifully detailed, thoughtful, charming and evocative.
    — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As the plane descends, a lush landscape of verdant mountains that flow down into charming villages, beaches, and the crystal-clear waters beyond appears.
    — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of charming
Adjective
  • Chocolate may have seductive ingredients like fat and sugar, but the chocolate bar doesn’t change its recipe based on who is eating it.
    — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Reading those album titles while simultaneously listening to Casey Kasem on American Top 40 was a seductive Sunday-morning pop speedball.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of seductive

Browse Nearby Words

captivates
captivating
captivation
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Cite this Entry

“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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