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

Relevance

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
  • On the other hand, Jackson lacks Platner's charismatic speaking style, Smith noted.
    — Margie Cullen, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Also for season two, Larry Lamb (Gavin & Stacey, EastEnders) also returns as Ron Palmer, Mick’s charismatic, art-forging father.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026
Definition of charismatic
Verb
  • Today, the digital payments space is highly competitive, with major tech companies such as Apple and Google enticing customers to use their payment services for online purchases.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • And if the pizza isn’t enticing enough, Urban Cowboy’s cocktail program punches far above its weight class.
    — Beth Rankin, Denver Post, 27 July 2026
Definition of enticing
Adjective
  • When values aren’t as strong, financing becomes an attractive alternative to selling.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 July 2026
  • Just as growth can drive returns even if the valuation discount remains, closing the margin-of-safety gap alone can also provide attractive returns.
    — Timothy P. Beyer, Forbes.com, 28 July 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
  • Designed to be charming and romantic, rooms have a B&B feel with canopy beds, rich drapery, plush chairs, hardwood floors, and walls adorned with chair rail and crown molding.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • At dinners, someone would mention a founder; nods were followed by anecdotes of a charming visionary.
    — Henrik Landgren, Fortune, 29 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

captivates
captivating
captivation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on captivating

Nglish: Translation of captivating for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All