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
The story takes place around the Club Rumba Royale, where white Europeans and Congolese citizens rub shoulders, and where the captivating melodies of rumba merge with aspirations and fiery debates of independence. — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 Han’s Sang-mi is a similarly captivating presence onscreen, a bundle of nervous energy on the brink of exploding, captured brilliantly by one of Korea’s most consistently versatile emerging talents. — James Marsh, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
This time the central crime revolves around a severed finger that is sent to the high school, and a mysterious — potentially nefarious — new teacher captivating their children. — Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 Get the latest news, exclusive reveals, announcements, and behind-the-scenes insight into the stories and characters captivating readers across the Absolute line. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 19 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
  • The therapist suggested that losing curiosity about a partner can sometimes make attention from someone outside the relationship particularly appealing.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Houmt Souk, Tunisia Djerba — the largest island in North Africa — offers an appealing alternative to the archaeological sites and desert landscapes elsewhere in Tunisia.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 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
  • In the first, a best-selling mystery author dies, and Benoit Blanc, a charismatic and inquisitive private eye played by Daniel Craig, must investigate.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But the appointment of the 69-year-old Tagle, a charismatic figure previously tipped as a possible pope, was an important piece of housekeeping.
    — Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of charismatic
Verb
  • Caruso has been charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse inflicting mental injury.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In essence, disruptor brands give athletes only-child treatment, which is enticing in a crowded market.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of enticing
Adjective
  • Cam, Aneha, Malaine Once again, a rizzless man is empowered to choose between two attractive women.
    — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The recent volatility in the equity markets has created some potentially attractive opportunities for investors willing to look past near-term choppiness.
    — Nick Wells, CNBC, 14 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
  • While renting a charming Mediterranean Revival-style villa in the Hollywood Hills, the FBI tapped her phone lines and the CIA covertly intercepted and opened her mail.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The author behind the singular Elizabeth Zott returns with ‘Peck & Peck,’ a sharp, charming satire on the pretensions and perils of literary gatekeepers.
    — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of charming
Adjective
  • In our conspiratorial age, the idea that there are fine, obscure relationships between seemingly disparate things is a thought seductive on the surface but oftentimes shallow underneath.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • In a world where an internet search or an AI summary promises an instant answer, there is something seductive about an investigation that requires touching the evidence.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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