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
David Zucker, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
This week, the dramatic collapse of plans for Barcelona to play a La Liga game against Villarreal in Miami — first reported by The Athletic — added extra spice to the compelling and captivating Clasico.
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Denise Petski, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
Our roster includes captivating columnists like Sam Amick, Fred Katz, John Hollinger and Joe Vardon.
—Garrett Chorpenning, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
Moreover, these are shows created and hosted and performed by people who are professionally interesting, captivating, entertaining, charming, and watchable.
—David Zucker, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
This week, the dramatic collapse of plans for Barcelona to play a La Liga game against Villarreal in Miami — first reported by The Athletic — added extra spice to the compelling and captivating Clasico.
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
With one million units sold annually; the Magic 8 Ball has been in existence for 75 years and remains a pop culture staple, captivating generations with its mysterious ability to answer life’s questions with a simple shake.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
Our roster includes captivating columnists like Sam Amick, Fred Katz, John Hollinger and Joe Vardon.
—Garrett Chorpenning, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
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The Disney executives said the company has worked to make an appealing offer to YouTube TV.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
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Some of the certificates date back as far as the 1980s, but developing them is becoming more appealing as the far northern edges of Phoenix begin to fill out.—
Austin Corona,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Daisy Jones & the Six chronicles the rise and fall of a group fronted by two charismatic lead singers—Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne—and their journey from obscurity to fame, complete with romantic tensions, personal crises, and drug problems.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
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As national headlines rightfully celebrated Parks’ courage and the charismatic leadership of King in fomenting and sustaining the boycott, Gilmore continued to cook in quiet obscurity.—
Time,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But if the hotel has made the town enticing to a new kind of visitor—say, one who appreciates the convenience of its helipad—the property has none of the hermetic insularity of a traditional resort.—
David Amsden,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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Some researchers think that since the last Ice Age Indigenous tribes burned swaths of woodlands to create an environment enticing to game animals.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Passive funds are attractive because, with their investment fees typically running ~80% lower than active funds, they’re viewed as a cheaper way to own a diverse assortment of stocks.—
Mark Dent,
HubSpot,
7 Nov. 2025
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Additionally, its attractive exterior design and simple, modern cabin are welcoming.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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If that wasn't enchanting enough, they were then joined by their original Broadway counterparts, Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda) and Idina Menzel (Elphaba).—
Jillian Sederholm,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
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Even the most incredulous of us listened to him describe the visions of fleeting stars that were enchanting enough to swoon the most beautiful people on this poor Earth.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Gather acorns on your next nature walk to craft these charming napkin rings.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Nov. 2025
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The upscale property is housed in a 1950s Portuguese colonial-style building painted the most charming shade of pink.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Jarcovjáková makes for a fascinating subject, especially as someone capturing her own emotional dissatisfaction through the contours of her body and face.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
5 Nov. 2025
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Next door, a small museum traces its fascinating journey from prison to protected paradise.—
Carla Vianna,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The goddess planet knows the art of seduction, but when transiting Scorpio, her sweetness is equally seductive and mysterious.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
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This is Maybach’s first two-seat convertible and a seductive, though flashier, alternative to Bentley’s Continental GTC, Aston Martin’s DB12 Volante, and Mercedes’ own AMG SL63.—
Howard Walker,
Robb Report,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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