1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

captivation

noun

Definition of captivationnext
as in appeal
the power of irresistible attraction by some mysterious method of captivation, the therapist is able to evoke a response from even the shiest of children

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 captivation The works on display depict his intricate captivation with the relationship between humankind and nature. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 Ultimately, Fonda opened up to dating Turner, and their relationship became a point of captivation for the media, as the liberal Hollywood star and the conservative, audacious businessman appeared to be total opposites. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 Wembanyama’s captivation with the intricacies of space travel was apparent. — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivation
  1. appeal
  2. attractiveness
  3. fascination
  4. charm
  5. attraction
  6. seductiveness
  7. sweetness
Noun
  • Only someone very comfortable, or very dishonest, would pretend the fantasy has no appeal.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The friendly service, comfortable rooms and downtown location give it wide appeal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • On the other hand, higher Fed rates typically bolster the attractiveness of dollar assets, exerting depreciation pressure on local currencies.
    — , CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The rankings were based on student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of attractiveness
Noun
  • The Ouze The Ouze’s sleek-meets-rugged aesthetic presented during London Fashion Week stemmed from founder Tony Vernon’s fascination with antique and heirloom jewelry that has been worn and appreciated over time.
    — Virginia Corneli, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Hogan builds the film around audiences’ fascination with the true crime documentary format before steering the narrative into unexpected supernatural territory.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of fascination
Noun
  • The state is sizable—447 miles long from north to south and 361 miles wide from east to west—which gives you all the more reason to return again and again to uncover more of its charms.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Even her handmade orchid bag charm has piercings that feel true to the time.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of charm
Noun
  • Venus in your sign opposes the Moon in your partnership zone, increasing attraction while making differences in comfort, affection, or timing more obvious.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Millions watched American destinations around the world while international visitors experienced our hotels, restaurants, attractions and communities firsthand.
    — Rachel J.C. Fu, Sun Sentinel, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of attraction
Noun
  • So, too, do the antics of his estate manager (a buoyant Sam Adegoke), always concocting money-making schemes, and the wide-eyed adoration of the girl next door (Amelia Mason, deftly balancing naïveté with seductiveness), who wants to save him.
    — Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That’s the seductiveness of the Reflecting Pool.
    — Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 25 June 2026
Definition of seductiveness
Noun
  • It was seasoned generously (served with a lime for a little sweetness), packed with flavor and was the perfect size to balance the behemoth empanada.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Patchouli, incense, and sandalwood add a darker, woodsy depth, while red fruits bring a touch of sweetness.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of sweetness

Browse Nearby Words

captivating
captivation
captivator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Captivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivation. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of slew

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of the words cracker fly and sale arranged in a triangle with the word fire in the middle
Triple Play Quiz Find the word that pairs with each of the three g...
See All