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

Tarkowski slid in from behind to stop a certain goal, with United’s penalty appeals waved away.

— Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Such contradictions, that cats can be both domesticated and yet somewhat feral, is part of their appeal, says comedian Drennon Davis, whose four cats have found internet fame via his short-form videos.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of appeal

Noun

The rankings were based on student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness.

— Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
The list of 500 schools was compiled by the magazine and data research firm Statista, Schools were given a score based on their student outcomes, learning environment and their attractiveness to students.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of attractiveness

Noun

Learning to distinguish genuine friendship from fascination with his position is something Prince William has had to navigate his entire life.

— Janelle Ash , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
For Johns, honey is one such ingredient—and his fascination with it is steeped in history.

— Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascination

Noun

Today, times are good for the city of 17,000 thanks to its big businesses, small-town charm and engaged citizens, Mayor Chris Pimentel told The Times.

— Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Whether the actor is improvising or sticking closely to the script by Miles Hubley and Tommy White, Wilson’s talent and experience maintain the charm of a character who practically talks nonstop but in other hands could simply be obnoxious.

— Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of charm

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

The ribs pick up smoke during the first part of the cook, sweetness while they’re wrapped in butcher paper and heat and acidity only toward the end, when the sauce is brushed on twice to create a sticky glaze.

— Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Shaking the gin and lemon juice with simple syrup and ice properly dilutes the cocktail and adds a delicate sweetness.

— Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of sweetness

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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 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of captivation

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