CAPTIVATION Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

captivation

noun

Definition of captivation

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

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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 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

Noun

Hacky sack’s revival is digital in its distribution and analog in its appeal.

— Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
His public appeal came after Russia bombarded Kyiv with drones and missiles in another deadly attack at the start of the week.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 8 July 2026

Definition of appeal

Noun

Owners can enhance their business's attractiveness by packaging existing services into ongoing agreements, transforming it into a more predictable and transferable asset for sale.

— Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
The body-hugging jean aligns with the viral phenomenon centered on maximizing physical attractiveness through deliberate changes to appearance, grooming, fitness, style and medical procedures.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 24 June 2026

Definition of attractiveness

Noun

From this space emerges the witch, a symbol of collective female strength and a figure through whom fascination and fear continue to be explored.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
Fans want to feel as close to the objects of their fascination as possible.

— Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 8 July 2026

Definition of fascination

Noun

Yet until now there has not been a major film adaptation, which was part of the attraction.

— Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
As for the top cities, tried-and-true reign supreme with phenomenal attractions, superlative hotels, and electric dining scenes.

— Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of attraction

Noun

That’s the seductiveness of the Reflecting Pool.

— Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 25 June 2026
Their easy, hedonic seductiveness emerges, too, via Yuskavage’s lush, rounded, fleshy brushstrokes (a different sort of stroke material, for the patriarchy or for anyone else), which render everything from boobs to bellies to nipples smooth and swollen, like a succulent fruit fixing to burst.

— Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 23 May 2026

Definition of seductiveness

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captivating

captivation

captivator

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“Captivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivation. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of captivation

noun

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