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
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 4 June 2026
The neighborhood Bairro Alto Hotel sits on the boundary of two of Lisbon’s most captivating districts, Chiado and Bairro Alto, with their steeply, sloping cobblestone streets and intriguing nooks and crannies, so you’ll never be stuck for something to see, a place to eat, or a boutique to browse.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 June 2026
The team anticipating it would occupy our summer baseball fascination is captivating for all the wrong reasons.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
The yearslong project to continue circulating pristine footage and audio of anything pertaining to the Beatles is one of the most captivating campaigns like it this side of Taylor Swift’s meticulous rerecordings of herself.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 4 June 2026
The neighborhood Bairro Alto Hotel sits on the boundary of two of Lisbon’s most captivating districts, Chiado and Bairro Alto, with their steeply, sloping cobblestone streets and intriguing nooks and crannies, so you’ll never be stuck for something to see, a place to eat, or a boutique to browse.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
Whether captivating viewers with his effortless charm or displaying an emotional depth that belies his humorous quips, London Brown has carved out a space as both a dramatic force and an undeniable comedic standout.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 June 2026
The team anticipating it would occupy our summer baseball fascination is captivating for all the wrong reasons.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
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The squared toe, decorative leather flower and dusty color blocking all carried the offbeat femininity that has made archival Prada footwear particularly appealing to vintage shoppers.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
14 June 2026
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For the fourth phase, focused on distinguishing the home’s front and back entrances and installing an appealing garden visible from the front windows, Sterman challenged herself to do something different.—
Nicole Sours Larson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 June 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
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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
Adjective
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The eldest son of the late Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley is a charismatic performer and an accomplished singer, songwriter and band leader.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 June 2026
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They were led by Tsietsi Mashinini, a charismatic high schooler.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Dakota Green of Horseshoe Bend was arrested Saturday on suspicion of felony enticing children through the internet, video image or other communication device, according to the Boise County Sheriff’s Office.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
14 June 2026
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But this disjointed medley, performed by Christiani Pitts and Sam Tutty, offered little context for what is meant to be exciting or enticing about the show.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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District officials believe the aging of existing farmers with no succession plans, less valuable soils in that area, and the current low prices for commodities make financial incentives more attractive and the target attainable.—
Allen Best,
Denver Post,
14 June 2026
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Income potential is equally attractive.—
ByBryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
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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
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That studio bosses of today don’t care about enchanting audiences.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But fewer focus expressly on overall Cuban coffee identity like Buena Gente, the charming Decatur shop whose casual walk-up counter brings to mind the quick-window-service ventanitas of Miami and Havana.—
Christopher Hassiotis,
AJC.com,
18 June 2026
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What to do nearby The properties are located on the best slice of beachfront real estate in Providenciales, consisting of charming, bright pink parasails and loungers, plentiful white-sand beaches and turquoise water, and direct access to shops and restaurants.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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The copy was just as seductive.—
Serena Turner,
Vanity Fair,
15 June 2026
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Combining the property’s rustic, midwestern roots with a calm, seductive feel was the goal, Thompson says.—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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