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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

The blend of luxury and artistic flair is captivating, especially those vibrant interiors. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2026 These students impressed us with their discerning angles, diligent research, and captivating storytelling. — Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Verb

Get the latest news, exclusive reveals, announcements, and behind-the-scenes insight into the stories and characters captivating readers across the Absolute line. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026 At times, the music overtook the gallery, completely captivating the attention of the room. — Shi Bradley, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating

Adjective

The best possibilities remain appealing after the excitement fades and the practical part finally enters the room.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
The addition of warm comfort foods like karaage chicken and beef curry udon noodles might make some purists raise an eyebrow, but that’s exactly what makes Somenya so appealing.

— Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 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

For example, religious leader Joseph Smith, who founded the Mormon religion, was charismatic.

— Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
Their investigation takes them to Echo Canyon Farm, a commune run by a charismatic cult leader, Lawrence Cole (Damon Herriman); Tommy had been living there at the time of his death.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of charismatic

Verb

The package from Meta was enticing enough for Desai to give up his pay package and severance at MongoDB.

— Samantha Subin,Chris Eudaily, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of enticing

Adjective

The radiant setting is especially attractive to affluent couples from across Asia as well as the US, Australia, and Europe.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
McMahon also urged schools to introduce hands-on learning much earlier, including virtual welding and electronics programs that can make technical work feel tangible and attractive to younger students.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 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

The Sprocket is a charming and efficient pocket-sized printer that uses ZINK zero-ink technology to output your smartphone photos, Polaroid-style, on special paper.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026
Café Nizza is a charming spot in Södermalm with impeccably unfussy dishes and fun bottles.

— Riza Cruz, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of charming

Adjective

As Batiba, Slate’s borderline baby voice walks a nimble line between seductive and menacing, but Manny Jacinto is the real scene-stealer as a literal baby demon.

— Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
Reframing one of literature’s most iconic heroines, the novel positions Van Tassel not as a romantic prize but as the central figure in a dangerous mystery and seductive supernatural love triangle.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 24 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of captivating

adjective

verb

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