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
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
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Recent Examples of captivating
Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
The shoes are crafted from wavy foot-framing panels of suede and mesh that add a captivating detail to the front of the pumps.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
New Atlas, 24 Jan. 2026
Indeed, the Mavericks have succeeded in captivating local hockey fans, selling out Cable Dahmer Arena throughout O’Had’s tenure.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
The flavors will be captivating, but the feast for the eyes will entice as well.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
The shoes are crafted from wavy foot-framing panels of suede and mesh that add a captivating detail to the front of the pumps.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
What's captivating enough about Freescape's van that show goer after show goer can't help but to stop and stare, at least momentarily, is the unique pop-up roof system, a patented design that's being called the first of its kind.
—New Atlas, 24 Jan. 2026
Indeed, the Mavericks have succeeded in captivating local hockey fans, selling out Cable Dahmer Arena throughout O’Had’s tenure.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
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What's so appealing about this spring boot is their comfortable fit and elevated, androgynous structure, which looks very similar to an Oxford dress shoe when paired with Johnson's black Agolde straight-leg '90s jeans.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
15 Feb. 2026
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As construction costs remain high, the cost-effectiveness of adaptive reuse is particularly appealing.—
Margi Glavovic Nothard,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
Adjective
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Rudnev was a charismatic leader, whose ideas on yoga and philosophy attracted a significant following.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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Every decade gets at least one charismatic male movie star who’s drop-dead gorgeous yet somehow guy-next-door relatable, action-hero intense one second and irresistibly charming the next.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Gage’s Robert is also no slouch in the come-on department, gushing over Jack’s appearance and enticing him by wearing women’s lingerie and doing you don’t want to know what else.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
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There aren’t exactly enticing free-agent options at the position, either, so maybe general manager Brian Gutekunst uses his second-round pick on a cornerback and develops him behind Nixon and Carrington Valentine for now.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Even the blaring horns of the cars of New Delhi and the chaos of the Summit weren’t enough to dampen the enthusiasm from big tech for India which continues to grow as a critical and attractive market for some of the world’s largest firms.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
21 Feb. 2026
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Much of the season is given over, as in the show’s first iteration, to the round-robin-style hookups and breakups taking place among the young and largely attractive staff.—
Naomi Fry,
New Yorker,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Tucked at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe’s remarkable high desert landscapes and enchanting golden light feel almost otherworldly.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
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At times, partners may have had a special mystique, enchanting you with their powers that may have sucked you in — for the better — or instead, like an addiction.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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From the charming streets of Valldemossa to the breathtaking beaches around Cala Mesquida, nowhere is further than an hour’s drive from the property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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Dark, moody walls make the natural-wood bench and light floors stand out; a charming white dome pendant light ties the space together.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Her debut turn alongside Jeremy Renner as a seductive escort got industry tongues wagging.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
15 Feb. 2026
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The Chartreuse charms the cocktail, giving it a bright herbaceousness and seductive spice, with the liqueur’s full battery of gifts echoing into a long, ambrosial finish.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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