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
Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
Most recently, WrestleMania 40 in 2024 Night 1 kicked off with a high-stakes six-man tag team match featuring prominent figures, underscoring the importance WWE places on a captivating start to their flagship event.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Oscar-winning actors embody roles in an authentic way, captivating audiences and serving stories that transcend their selves.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
This tree definitely has a flair for the dramatic, performing well throughout the South, displaying flowers up to 1 foot wide, growing as tall as 80 feet (depending on selection), featuring glossy evergreen foliage, and exuding a captivating scent that draws your attention.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
Most recently, WrestleMania 40 in 2024 Night 1 kicked off with a high-stakes six-man tag team match featuring prominent figures, underscoring the importance WWE places on a captivating start to their flagship event.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
Few shows are as visually alluring and simultaneously captivating in their storytelling as The White Lotus.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Oscar-winning actors embody roles in an authentic way, captivating audiences and serving stories that transcend their selves.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
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With hyper-masculine influencers on their social media feeds promoting self-improvement through extreme workout and diet regimens, the idea of sitting in a circle and talking about feelings might sound less appealing.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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But for me, the thick, sticky, concentrated preserves are just as appealing, whether on toast, with cheese, or encased in crostata.—
Adam Erace,
Saveur,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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The remarkable life and afterlife of Malcolm X This month marks the 100th birthday of Malcolm X, the charismatic and defiant Black leader who electrified America with his blunt talk on civil rights, before he was murdered in 1965.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
1 May 2025
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Thankfully, Istanbul’s short-term stays are just as charismatic as the city itself.—
Bailey Berg,
Architectural Digest,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Nearly all bird species feed their young insects, so planting native greenery that attracts bugs can be enticing to hummingbirds.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2025
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Experts say the falling rate could thaw the largely frozen housing market by enticing buyers off the sidelines.—
Kevin Williams,
Quartz,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Additionally, the passing by defencemen from deep in the zone is more effective because there is often more than one attractive passing option.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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Though plants are deciduous, attractive exfoliating bark adds interest and texture through the winter months.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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Unlike the national parks in the U.S., the Cairngorms are considered a populated national park, one that’s home to more than 18,000 residents living in its small towns and charming villages.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
3 May 2025
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The wig features a consistently shoulder-length cut, and its curly texture adds a charming touch.—
Noel Cymone Walker,
StyleCaster,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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With Venus conjunct Neptune in your curious third house of the mind, this enchanting synergy could spark dreamy conversations and exchanges.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
2 May 2025
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Atmospheric rooms at this hotel in the tiny yet enchanting village of Bourdeilles feature antique stone fireplaces, wooden beams, and calming water views.—
Chrissie McClatchie,
Travel + Leisure,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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As a result, each piece in her collections reflects her exploration of fascinating materials and techniques in a whimsical manner.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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The experience of someone raised with Ghanaian traditions versus someone whose family has been in America for generations creates fascinating dynamics and misunderstandings.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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No, what makes this French-language show about French history so extra, incredibly French is the namesake protagonist: a dashing, seductive, single-earring-wearing spy who also happens to be a founding father of haute cuisine.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2025
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The hotel is also home to a great wine cellar and tons of seductive paths that wind in and out of the vineyards.—
Liza B. Zimmerman,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
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