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
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
But the icon, who was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, had her own captivating story offscreen, which has long been immortalized in movies, television shows and books.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Employing a fictional slasher movie of yesteryear as the portal into a conversation about self and desire, this is heady, strange stuff, frustrating at times but captivating in both its confusion and its honesty.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
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
But the icon, who was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, had her own captivating story offscreen, which has long been immortalized in movies, television shows and books.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Verb
Located along the Caribbean coastline, this region boasts cultural attractions, high-end resorts with plenty of space to sprawl out, and lots of nature for captivating kids.
—Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Employing a fictional slasher movie of yesteryear as the portal into a conversation about self and desire, this is heady, strange stuff, frustrating at times but captivating in both its confusion and its honesty.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
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Instead the result is very wearable, playful, fantastic apparel, pieces built with strength to them that is incredibly appealing.—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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As luxury linen has moved into the mainstream to become one of the softest bedding options, a major bonus is that a far more appealing range of price points and color options are now dominating the market.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
6 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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Hoskins rose to prominence with his enthralling performance as Harold, a charismatic emblem of British hubris.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
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The actors are warm, charismatic, and emotionally present.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
Verb
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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
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That does sound enticing for a brand that became the first Chinese carmaker to exceed 1 million sales in Europe.—
Utkarsh Sood
June 05,
New Atlas,
5 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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Orlando Senna, a high-energy, tireless and charming Brazilian filmmaker, playwright, writer and cultural activist, died June 9 from pneumonia in Rio de Janeiro.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
11 June 2026
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Candles, whether real or remote, also provide a charming touch.—
Shagun Khare,
Martha Stewart,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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But even that speculative scheme showed how sophisticated PAU could be in adapting an assortment of seductive pasts.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
8 June 2026
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There’s a seductive delusion to FatFIRE—one that promises the world can be opted out of, if not mastered.—
Joshua Rivera,
Vanity Fair,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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