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
Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
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
Maggie Anders, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
When Wolfgang overdoses on laudanum, however, Anna Marie performed disguised as Wolfgang donning a dramatic red costume and face paint, captivating the court and drawing the envy of Mozart’s greatest rival, Antonio Salieri.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
For anyone who has explored the Everglades, the bayou ecosystem offers an interesting point of comparison — different landscape, different species, equally captivating.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
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
Verb
If the arrangement of that content is captivating?
—Maggie Anders, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
When Wolfgang overdoses on laudanum, however, Anna Marie performed disguised as Wolfgang donning a dramatic red costume and face paint, captivating the court and drawing the envy of Mozart’s greatest rival, Antonio Salieri.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
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Benet, who is very appealing, really deserved much more to do vocally.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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Forest face Newcastle at home that week before another appealing home fixture against Bournemouth in Gameweek 38.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 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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The Balcony is textbook Manet—grand in ambition, ingeniously composed, visually charismatic, and socially unfathomable.—
Susan Tallman,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
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Much like James Marsden’s entrance as the obnoxiously wealthy and charismatic Owen Ashe, this sophomore season has come in hot and much more tantalizing, dramatic, emotional, and funnier than before.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There is no option C because the only NFL team that hasn’t already made other plans for its starting quarterback job is the Arizona Cardinals and joining a rebuilding program wouldn't be enticing to Rodgers.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
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There’s something endlessly enticing about Italy.—
Joseph Erbentraut,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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And the meteoric rise of AI makes companion robots an attractive policy goal.—
Catherine Thorbecke,
Twin Cities,
25 Apr. 2026
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And that mentality is part of what made the Detroit Country Day product attractive to potential employers, as much as his pass-blocking prowess.—
Matthew Mowery,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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It was broadcast worldwide, enchanting some 30 million viewers.—
Francesca Pellegrini,
Vanity Fair,
19 Apr. 2026
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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
Adjective
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The town is full of charming attractions, like the interactive Maison de Sancerre, and cozy restaurants and cafés.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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This charming town of under 5,000 people is dotted with towering coastal redwoods and is known for its easy access to the peacefully flowing waters of the Russian River.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The excitement of the fight for freedom and justice, combined with the energy of mass gatherings, was seductive.—
Nataliya Gumenyuk,
The Dial,
21 Apr. 2026
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That’s what’s so seductive about them.—
Brittany Delay,
Mercury News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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