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

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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

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

The last few World Cups have often been captivating and this is no exception. — Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for captivating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating

Adjective

Long paragraphs jammed to the edges of the form won’t be visually appealing.

— Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 25 July 2026
Francisco Lindor is one of the most exciting and appealing players in the history of the New York Mets.

— Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 25 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

Armed with a bold vision, Falk aimed to transform the charismatic rookie into an iconic personal brand.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 22 July 2026
The charismatic drivers are trained tour guides who deliver an entertaining and educational history of the city.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 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

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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“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of captivating

adjective

verb

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