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
Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026
Typically, magnolias bloom in spring, and some varieties rebloom in summer and fall, allowing their captivating display to last for months.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
The night-of-broadcast scenes draw you into the tension of finalizing and problem-solving and Michaels’ engagement with all manner of details is captivating.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
Its Quantum Color technology delivers over a billion shades for immersive content, while Dolby Vision HDR provides captivating contrast.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026
Typically, magnolias bloom in spring, and some varieties rebloom in summer and fall, allowing their captivating display to last for months.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
She’s aided immeasurably by the captivating chemistry between her and Daniel Petzold as Jo’s best friend, the similarly playful and witty neighbor, Laurie.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
The night-of-broadcast scenes draw you into the tension of finalizing and problem-solving and Michaels’ engagement with all manner of details is captivating.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
-
Briefly elevated into an unlikely attraction, he is soon displaced by a more appealing performer and becomes consumed by the need to reclaim that fleeting sense of being seen.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
17 May 2026
-
None of it is particularly politically appealing.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
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
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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 girls follow his trail of tears to Divine (Erika Alexander), a charismatic preacher still in the carnal thrall of her time with their father.—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
15 May 2026
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Also look for Janelle Monáe, who’s both amusing and charismatic as a spoiled trophy wife.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The potential free-agency solutions don’t seem enticing at this point, either.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
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Their 2022 Pinot Noir has enticing aromas of cherry cola, cinnamon, and red raspberry that lead to delicious flavors of cherry, raspberry, cranberry, and brown baking spices.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Making the ad tier feel more attractive to subscribers in that way arguably does something very important.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
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Through a barrage of advertising and on-campus information sessions, investment banking sold itself as the most attractive, lucrative, and secure job for top students.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
That studio bosses of today don’t care about enchanting audiences.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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Equally enchanting this fashion month were Celine’s colorful leather pouches—particularly in cobalt blue, a trending hue—as seen on Ramya Giangola and Yumi Shin below.—
Andrea Zendejas,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Max is everything Inger has ever dreamed of – travelled and irresistibly charming.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
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But for the 42-year-old content creator, cleaning goes beyond the charming aesthetics of her videos.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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Apparatus x Puiforcat Gabriel Hendifar’s lighting and furniture studio Apparatus, which is known for its seductive lighting and furniture, is getting ready to showcase its collaboration with the French cutlery to silverware house Puiforcat.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
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Though in some sense this is a cautionary tale, the way that first Homer describes their attachment, and then Tennyson elaborates on their doomed, blissful apathy, is seductive in its own right.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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