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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of captivating
Sarah Wood González, Vogue, 11 June 2025
The First Edition offers Bentley’s captivating Rotating Display (otherwise optional), a smooth veneer fascia situated in the center of the dash that rotates to reveal a 12.3-inch digital touchscreen or three classic analog instruments showing outside air temperature, a compass, and a chronometer.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 June 2025
Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Oscar-winning actors embody roles in an authentic way, captivating audiences and serving stories that transcend their selves.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
The area’s cultural history and heritage is just as captivating as its landscape, drawing visitors who are eager to step back in time and connect to an ancientness that doesn’t seem to exist elsewhere.
—Sarah Wood González, Vogue, 11 June 2025
The First Edition offers Bentley’s captivating Rotating Display (otherwise optional), a smooth veneer fascia situated in the center of the dash that rotates to reveal a 12.3-inch digital touchscreen or three classic analog instruments showing outside air temperature, a compass, and a chronometer.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 June 2025
Verb
Few shows are as visually alluring and simultaneously captivating in their storytelling as The White Lotus.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Oscar-winning actors embody roles in an authentic way, captivating audiences and serving stories that transcend their selves.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
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This debt burden, coupled with regulatory scrutiny in the U.K., renders an acquisition less appealing for U.S. supermajors who value financial flexibility.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
-
England and India will go head-to-head over the next six weeks without the cricketing royalty of James Anderson or Virat Kohli for the first time in two decades, but that does not make the five-Test series any less appealing.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
Kim was an incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong person.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
17 June 2025
-
One of the things that’s very charismatic is madness.—
Andrew Goldman,
Vulture,
16 June 2025
Verb
-
Nearly all bird species feed their young insects, so planting native greenery that attracts bugs can be enticing to hummingbirds.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Experts say the falling rate could thaw the largely frozen housing market by enticing buyers off the sidelines.—
Kevin Williams,
Quartz,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Robert, who turns 28 on Aug. 3, is somewhat more attractive, a plus defender in center who has stolen 21 bases in 26 attempts.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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Grocery stores operate on the thinnest of margins and chic or attractive has nothing to do with marketing commodities like eggs and bread.—
Greg Petro,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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To-be-weds can exchange vows in one of the islands’ hundreds of charming chapels or on cliffsides with views of the gorgeous blue Mediterranean.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
24 June 2025
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She was born on February 1, 1971, to a large family and grew up in Guanajuato, whose historic center is a charming former silver mining town with colonial architecture and colorful, blocky houses stacked like Legos on the dramatic hillside.—
Rebecca Grant
June 24,
Literary Hub,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Known for its enchanting floral scent, this number instantly absorbs into the skin and locks in moisture.—
Tatayana Yomary,
Essence,
12 June 2025
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Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, the movie sports the same lively visual style as Chomet’s earlier work, which is by far its best quality (Stefano Bollani’s enchanting score is another of its strengths).—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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Her appetite for life's most fascinating experiences is matched only by her desire to help fuel readers' own hungers and aspirations.—
Sarah Perez,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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The sense of smell is complex and fascinating — and in many ways still mysterious.—
Avery Hurt,
Discover Magazine,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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From the seductive hum of being needed by someone the world adored.—
Rob Shuter,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2025
-
Argentina’s Boca have a seductive madness about them, engendered by their colossal support.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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