captivating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkap-tə-ˌvā-tiŋ How to pronounce captivating (audio)
Definition of captivatingnext
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

captivating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of captivate
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of captivating
Adjective
One hundred participants were presented with a series of images showcasing the airport runways, and their visual engagement was measured using eye-tracking technology to determine the most captivating landings. — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026 Mamoru Hosoda is a modern master, and this fantasy-action movie remains one of his most captivating. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
The Massachusetts mother at the center of an ongoing murder trial for the killings of her three children is captivating the internet and social media. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The 17-year-old’s performance in Aston Villa’s 2-1 Super Cup defeat against Paris Saint-Germain was captivating for several reasons. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
  1. appealing
  2. fascinating
  3. charismatic
  4. enticing
  5. attractive
  6. enchanting
  7. charming
  8. seductive
Adjective
  • Among the 3,000 buildings the first licensed Black architect designed, from private residences to hotels, some of his most appealing—including one that formerly housed actor Denzel Washington’s family—can be found in Toluca Lake.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Another clear indication of a franchise running on fumes is that its most appealing element is now increasingly convoluted and tedious.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of appealing
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
  • 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
Definition of fascinating
Adjective
  • Ry then finds unexpected love with charismatic Spanish local Julian (played by Fernando Lindez).
    — Niya Doyle, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Whether by Curry’s charismatic nature or through a perfectionist drive to study, the late artist understood how to expand almost any creative assignment.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of charismatic
Verb
  • The hiring of the Catalan content creator, however, has only served to enrage the public, rather than enticing them to watch the race.
    — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • If analyst predictions prove correct and the iPhone Fold tops out at $2,400, Apple will have to find a way to make that enticing through pre-order deals and high trade-in prices.
    — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of enticing
Adjective
  • Still, the small form factor could make the technology attractive for compact industrial sensors and other devices where space is limited.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • And, even with a question mark in its future, WBD's assets are still attractive to other potential buyers.
    — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of attractive
Verb
  • The rolling meadows, forests, and enchanting Monet gardens form an artistic canvas that complements the hotel’s interiors.
    — Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
  • The rookie showman is proving his mettle as part of the Caballero Circus, a five-generation family of performers, by enchanting audiences with his charismatic stage presence and sharp coordination.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Definition of enchanting
Adjective
  • The house is about nine miles from Shrewsbury, putting it close to the charming market town’s restaurants and shops, with London reachable in under three hours.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Cook will play Elias Clarke, who is handsome, charming, and quietly persuasive.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of charming
Adjective
  • Chocolate may have seductive ingredients like fat and sugar, but the chocolate bar doesn’t change its recipe based on who is eating it.
    — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Reading those album titles while simultaneously listening to Casey Kasem on American Top 40 was a seductive Sunday-morning pop speedball.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of seductive

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captivates
captivating
captivation
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Cite this Entry

“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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