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

These students impressed us with their discerning angles, diligent research, and captivating storytelling. — Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026 Leclerc’s emotional 2019 and 2024 wins for Ferrari were captivating; Vettel in the wet for Toro Rosso deserves to be listed, too. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Verb

The Massachusetts mother at the center of an ongoing murder trial for the killings of her three children is captivating the internet and social media. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The 17-year-old’s performance in Aston Villa’s 2-1 Super Cup defeat against Paris Saint-Germain was captivating for several reasons. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating

Adjective

The Lizzie Borden story takes this appealing notion and runs with it.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
And that’s very appealing, and it was invented actually shortly after quantum physics was invented.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 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

Rarely, if ever, has international soccer been blessed with a deeper, more talented and charismatic group of young stars.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Moore’s Mona finds herself in the thrall of a charismatic community theater director played, in a delightful bit of typecasting, by Paul Giamatti.

— John Ross, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of charismatic

Verb

After Gerald’s Game (2017), Doctor Sleep (2019), and The Life of Chuck (2024) — and with The Mist on the way — there’s something enticing about Flanagan taking his cumulative knowledge of the author’s lexicon to revisit King’s very first novel.

— Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
Anything that retains moisture is enticing to springtails, as well as other critters such as silverfish, book lice, and millepedes.

— Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of enticing

Adjective

The 10-year Treasury yield at nearly two-decade highs above 5% starts to look like a pretty attractive risk-free return.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
New London officials are eagerly endorsing Spinnaker Real Estate Partners’ proposal as a way to draw some of the thousands of new employees being hired by nearby Electric Boat while recapturing a stretch of attractive waterfront at the marina.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 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

In its reporting, Southern Living magazine praised the fan-favorite destination for its charming downtown and proximity to scenic views.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026
The time-bending romance, led by the charming Louis Garrel, is based on Hungry Heart, a book of shorts by Eshkol Nevo.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of charming

Adjective

What makes the revenge plot so seductive is the buildup more than the act itself.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
In the quiet Argentinian town, the arrival of an ominous former cop and his seductive wife threatens to unravel the childhood bond between four inseparable young men.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of captivating

adjective

verb

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