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

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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 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
  • This week, during the same appeal hearing, prosecutors are mounting a separate argument that her prison sentence of 33 years with no parole isn’t long enough.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Powells, who have spent years returning to Sandals resorts, understand that appeal.
    — Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • The judging criteria balanced overall attractiveness and legibility for law enforcement.
    — Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • The list compiled 300 cities of varying sizes across 22 factors of market attractiveness, affordability and quality of life.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Definition of attractiveness
Noun
  • Stapley’s own fascination with the art of the con began after her mother was conned out of her life savings.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Show creator Quinn Shephard told Netflix’s Tudum that her love for Y2K teen movies and erotic thrillers like Carrie, Jennifer’s Body and Heavenly Creatures, as well as her fascination with the Salem witch trials, inspired her to write The Body.
    — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of fascination
Noun
  • Mengi The longest independent music venue in the city, this spot can house 50-ish people on a packed day, and that’s precisely its charm.
    — Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Viewers well versed in the ways of romantic fiction won’t be that surprised by how this little pas de quatre works out as Emile dithers and deliberates over each woman’s charms.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of charm
Noun
  • Hopefully all of the drifting is turning the wheels in his brain for ideas for the next great theme park attraction.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Fifteen years after owners switched off the rides for the last time, an eerie and rusted amusement park happily in decay in Seoul's outskirts has become one of the city's coolest attractions.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 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
Noun
  • Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake layer, which helps to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and peach topping.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026
  • For fans who missed the combination of tropical sweetness and a sour-candy kick, the creamy drink likely won’t disappoint.
    — Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of sweetness

Browse Nearby Words

captivating
captivation
captivator
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Cite this Entry

“Captivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivation. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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