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

With a captivating bank fraud mystery, and two irresistible love stories, Kleypas’ uniquely wise and witty novel is a gem. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026 Tyson Familiar and visually uninspired, yet still sporadically captivating. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Verb

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 So when a charming stranger and his captivating accomplice arrive with an offer too good to refuse, Joe makes a deal that could give both him and his team a second chance. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating

Adjective

But his presence, his apparent delight as adults in scuba suits shoot themselves out of helicopters in pursuit of gold, is part of what makes the show so appealing.

— Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026
One of the appealing aspects of building an NFL stadium in Inglewood was the speed with which a development agreement could be assembled and approved.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 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

Dyrholm plays the charismatic leader Ruth Evensen (now Ruth Kristiansen) who led Fathers House since the 1990s until its official closure as a religious congregation in 2013.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026
Getting support for measures to save charismatic species can be easier than for others, however.

— David Ginsburg, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of charismatic

Verb

Justin Perez, 28, of Springfield, Massachusetts took a plea deal on Monday in Rockville Superior Court, pleading guilty to charges of risk of injury to a minor and enticing a minor, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026
The seminary student and educator has also been critical of his own party — calling it out for ineptitude, leaving voters behind — and arguing that anti-establishment messaging is enticing to Latinos who have been spurned by both major parties.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of enticing

Adjective

Butner recently installed a new hot water heater and dishwasher and replaced the flooring in hopes of making the property more attractive.

— Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
For example, goldfinches, cardinals, chickadees, and other non-migratory birds seek out the attractive seedheads of black-eyed Susans.

— Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 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

Gino, just downstairs from the hotel, is a charming Italian option.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
It’s beautifully presented on charming floral dishware, which is the perfect echo of the gardens just beyond the porch where breakfast is served.

— Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of charming

Adjective

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
The classic villain has the ability to control plants and often controls people’s minds using seductive pheromones.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of seductive

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captivates

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“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of captivating

adjective

verb

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