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
With nostalgic odes to musical history and memories of video games woven within, Spielberg works hard to bring Cline's love letter to the 80s to life in a visually captivating and action-packed way. — Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 July 2026 Its permanent exhibit on the Tequesta, centered around the Miami Circle, is captivating, but the museum can show only a miniscule fraction of its holdings. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Verb
Hailing from Taiwan, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Macau, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the exhibition uses captivating photographic art to guide us into memories preserved within the images. — Photovogue, Vogue, 2 July 2026 There are captivating lakes aplenty, in particular Como and Garda, and the Dolomites for mountain lovers adventuring with their offspring. — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 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 fishing village of Klima is well-known for its syrmata, but minuscule Firopotamos is equally appealing.
    — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • So that was definitely one of the very appealing parts of this package.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 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
  • The Southern Charm Rides historical tour is a must-do experience, moving us through Uptown, Fourth Ward, and pieces of the city’s earlier history in an open-air cart with a tour guide charismatic enough to keep us smiling for the rest of the trip.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Maradona, on the other hand, was a charismatic populist, a scalawag from a shantytown, irrepressible and impudent.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026
Definition of charismatic
Verb
  • In addition to benefiting from the shade temperature-wise, providing coverage in the form of shrubbery also helps birds feel safer and more secure, further enticing them to use the bird bath.
    — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 6 July 2026
  • The doe-eyed spa manager, Anupam Banerjee, has come up with a wide range of enticing holistic treatments, from scrubs, massages, and facials; to biohacking PEMF body mats and LED masks; to Ayurvedic therapies; to breath work and meditation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026
Definition of enticing
Adjective
  • Winning with defense may not be attractive, but it’s certainly been effective.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • Detmers and Soriano are the most attractive, but outfielder Jo Adell and relievers Sam Bachman, Chase Silseth and Ryan Zeferjahn could also generate some interest.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 15 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
  • Neill is at his most handsome, charming heartthrob best here, and the film received an Oscar nod for its period costume design.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
  • What to do nearby Cernobbio is a charming town nestled between Mount Bisbino and Lake Como, with beautiful lakefront views, hiking trails, and a botanical garden.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Definition of charming
Adjective
  • Warrior Beowulf defeats the monster Grendel but faces an even greater challenge after encountering Grendel's seductive mother, leading to tragic consequences decades later.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Perhaps, then, what captivates us is a kind of redemption story—the seductive idea that technology can not only repair nature but absolve us for having degraded it.
    — Taylor Dotson, Scientific American, 10 July 2026
Definition of seductive

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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 18 Jul. 2026.

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