as in appealing
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract
a captivating performance by the young singing sensation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
The cause of brain freeze fascinates neurologists and Slurpee lovers alike, and the science behind it is especially captivating.
—Julia Daye, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 12 Mar. 2026
For decades, fans, editors, and her Hollywood colleagues have gushed about how uniquely captivating her scent is, including fellow stars like Lil Nas X, Jennifer Lawrence, and Cardi B (and yes, Rihanna herself has posted the evidence).
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
Across the country, chefs and restauranteurs have worked hard to create captivating cuisines and experiences for patrons dining at their tables.
—Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
The cause of brain freeze fascinates neurologists and Slurpee lovers alike, and the science behind it is especially captivating.
—Julia Daye, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
Storytelling Potential Storytelling will be key in captivating customers who are ever-more well-informed.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 12 Mar. 2026
For decades, fans, editors, and her Hollywood colleagues have gushed about how uniquely captivating her scent is, including fellow stars like Lil Nas X, Jennifer Lawrence, and Cardi B (and yes, Rihanna herself has posted the evidence).
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
-
In an era of AI, promising to save companies cash by automating white-collar jobs, the use of chatbots for guidance may be an appealing alternative to firms no longer willing or able to shell out for consultants.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The Home Depot is running a bunch of appealing deals on Makita tools as part of its Spring Black Friday fire sale right now.—
Andrew P. Collins,
The Drive,
9 Apr. 2026
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
Adjective
-
Ultimately, Odom comes off as a charismatic but troubled figure who still faces an uncertain future.—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Both species are highly charismatic megafauna.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Without a bobber stopper, on a slack line, your bullet weight will sink to the bottom, but your soft plastic will slowly glide towards the bottom while enticing hungry bass into biting.—
Derek Horner,
Outdoor Life,
2 Apr. 2026
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Detectives reviewed the materials and obtained a warrant charging Melnick with harmful communications with a minor, enticing a minor and misrepresenting age to entice a minor.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The era of the concert hall was at hand, and the same qualities that had made the mandolin attractive at home now put it at a disadvantage.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Do leave enough of the shoots in bloom to keep attractive plants.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The face enchanting enough to gain entry into this party of the Four Hundred.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
This enchanting 500-year-old Grade II cottage is set in 12 acres of mature gardens and land – including paddocks, a kitchen garden, and access with frontage on the River Arun (including fishing rights), ideal for kayaking and other water pursuits.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The spa There is no spa, but there is a charming pool area with green-and-white striped chaise lounges and grass-green sun umbrellas.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Apr. 2026
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Cushion Moss Attractive cushion moss (Leucobryum glaucum) grows in charming clumps or mounds that are sure to stand out in any garden.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Set the scene Pigalle, situated at the foot of Montmartre, may have shaken off its reputation for debauchery but the neighborhood nonetheless preserves a seductive energy, a holdover from its red-light-district days.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Then there are the intangibles, the seductive addictiveness of just how meaningful English football is, both to each club’s community and to the entire planet.—
Andrés Martinez,
Fortune,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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