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
Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
When Heliot Ramos strolled into the Giants’ clubhouse on Thursday morning, his hair was no longer its usual dark brown, but a captivating blonde.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
And at a time of deep polarization, this moment is testing how far Britt, and other lawmakers, are willing to go to tackle knotty policy problems captivating national attention.
—Sam Gringlas, NPR, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
What followed was one of the most signature at-bats in World Series history, as Rojas recently recounted, pitch-by-captivating-pitch, with The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
When Heliot Ramos strolled into the Giants’ clubhouse on Thursday morning, his hair was no longer its usual dark brown, but a captivating blonde.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
Mock draft season isn’t as captivating in Green Bay this year because the Packers don’t have a first-round pick for the first time since 2017.
—Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
And at a time of deep polarization, this moment is testing how far Britt, and other lawmakers, are willing to go to tackle knotty policy problems captivating national attention.
—Sam Gringlas, NPR, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
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His patience as a runner is the most appealing characteristic, a style that could finally marry the solid blocking metrics with results.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Public-private partnerships are increasingly appealing to investors.—
Belinda G. Schwartz,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 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
Adjective
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Complicating matters is the charismatic doomsday preacher who is quickly leading the small town to the verge of hysteria.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
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His role is pivotal as a heroic and charismatic young man who inspires his friends to use their powers for more than just their own amusement.—
Ken Simmons,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Scotland captain Robertson rifled in a low shot from outside the penalty box 10 minutes into the second half to put Liverpool ahead and then Salah crashed home his enticing cross two minutes later.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
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Trump’s tariff agenda aimed to spark a blue-collar job boom by enticing companies to reshore manufacturing.—
Brian Cheung,
NBC news,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Adding flower beds filled with water-loving plants such as daylilies, blue flag irises, and button bushes is an attractive solution for soggy areas.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
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Yancey said simplifying regulations and improving permitting processes could make the city more attractive to investors and businesses.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The face enchanting enough to gain entry into this party of the Four Hundred.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
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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
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Built around a natural mineral spring, tourists have been flocking to this charming retreat for years.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
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His charming Indiana State team – led by the bespectacled and beloved cult hero Robbie Avila, better known as Cream Abdul-Jabbar – won 28 games in the regular-season, and the Missouri Valley crown.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Nor does anyone spouting rock-hard opinions in recent weeks about Malik Willis with little more than scant and seductive game film.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
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With precision smart bombs, the trap is especially seductive.—
Richard Hall,
Time,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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