captivating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkap-tə-ˌvā-tiŋ How to pronounce captivating (audio)
Definition of captivatingnext
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
Visitors can walk the length of the 121,000-sq-ft (11,241-sq-m) green roof that's planted with species native to the area, enjoy captivating views of the national park. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 7 July 2026 With nostalgic odes to musical history and memories of video games woven within, Spielberg works hard to bring Cline's love letter to the 80s to life in a visually captivating and action-packed way. — Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
The last few World Cups have often been captivating and this is no exception. — Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Hailing from Taiwan, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Macau, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the exhibition uses captivating photographic art to guide us into memories preserved within the images. — Photovogue, Vogue, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
  1. appealing
  2. fascinating
  3. charismatic
  4. enticing
  5. attractive
  6. enchanting
  7. charming
  8. seductive
Adjective
  • Trader Joe’s pops this corn in a mixture of coconut and sunflower oil; coconut oil results in an airier and fluffier quality than popular alternatives like canola oil, while sunflower oil contributes an appealing crispiness.
    — Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
  • The coastal setting is so appealing that all of the accommodations at the luxury resort include private balconies for enjoying ocean views.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 18 July 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
  • The Southern Charm Rides historical tour is a must-do experience, moving us through Uptown, Fourth Ward, and pieces of the city’s earlier history in an open-air cart with a tour guide charismatic enough to keep us smiling for the rest of the trip.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Maradona, on the other hand, was a charismatic populist, a scalawag from a shantytown, irrepressible and impudent.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026
Definition of charismatic
Verb
  • That’s despite a lot of effort companies such as Airbnb put in into enticing new hosts.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • While the cost of a luxury cruise can vary depending on the cruise line, itinerary, and room style, the all-inclusive nature of luxury cruises can be enticing for travelers.
    — Megan duBois, Southern Living, 22 July 2026
Definition of enticing
Adjective
  • While the space tech sector is attractive, selectivity remains essential.
    — Andreas Bubenzer-Paim, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The salt that sprinkled out beneath the thorn tower was packaged in attractive black paper and shipped all around the world.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026
Definition of attractive
Verb
  • The rolling meadows, forests, and enchanting Monet gardens form an artistic canvas that complements the hotel’s interiors.
    — Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of enchanting
Adjective
  • For the best seat in the house, try to nab a spot on the top floor of the charming circular stone building.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026
  • But don't worry, it's built a vibrant modern city in between those charming old buildings, too.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026
Definition of charming
Adjective
  • Warrior Beowulf defeats the monster Grendel but faces an even greater challenge after encountering Grendel's seductive mother, leading to tragic consequences decades later.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Perhaps, then, what captivates us is a kind of redemption story—the seductive idea that technology can not only repair nature but absolve us for having degraded it.
    — Taylor Dotson, Scientific American, 10 July 2026
Definition of seductive

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captivating
captivation
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Cite this Entry

“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of captivating for Spanish Speakers

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