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
With nostalgic odes to musical history and memories of video games woven within, Spielberg works hard to bring Cline's love letter to the 80s to life in a visually captivating and action-packed way. — Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 July 2026 Its permanent exhibit on the Tequesta, centered around the Miami Circle, is captivating, but the museum can show only a miniscule fraction of its holdings. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Verb
There are captivating lakes aplenty, in particular Como and Garda, and the Dolomites for mountain lovers adventuring with their offspring. — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 2026 This Shady Canyon Golf Club is one of Orange County‘s most exclusive enclaves with captivating rock formations and lush fairways spread across 300 acres in a secluded canyon setting. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 June 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
  • The fishing village of Klima is well-known for its syrmata, but minuscule Firopotamos is equally appealing.
    — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • So that was definitely one of the very appealing parts of this package.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 July 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
  • Power and Daniel Sweren-Becker wrote the script, which follows a struggling tennis phenom who falls for a charismatic local ball boy at the US Open.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 9 July 2026
  • Not just for his good looks, strong vocals, and charismatic performances, but also for his pretty funny content, especially when trolling the fans.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of charismatic
Verb
  • The doe-eyed spa manager, Anupam Banerjee, has come up with a wide range of enticing holistic treatments, from scrubs, massages, and facials; to biohacking PEMF body mats and LED masks; to Ayurvedic therapies; to breath work and meditation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026
  • Being part of a team on the brink of achieving something special, under a general manager who has been cooking in recent seasons, could be enticing.
    — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 28 June 2026
Definition of enticing
Adjective
  • When interest rates are elevated, returns on assets like bonds, money market funds and high-yield savings accounts are more attractive.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • That privacy has made Bay Point attractive to some celebrities.
    — Catherine Odom July 8, Miami Herald, 8 July 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 building used to be an antiquarian bookshop with soaring arches, and the owners have kept the charming vintage vibes.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
  • Continue north from New Paltz and discover all that the Hudson Valley and Catskills have to offer—charming towns, next-level antiquing, art, bucolic vistas, and mountain peaks.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026
Definition of charming
Adjective
  • Her styling was chic, often minimal, deceptively simple, always elegant and seductive to the eye.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
  • In an act of pure showmanship, Bolton has placed mannequins clothed in fleshlike skintight garments in a tall glass vitrine visible to museumgoers heading toward the medieval wing—a seductive preview that may help lure them away from Arms and Armor.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of seductive

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Cite this Entry

“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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