as in to fascinate
to attract or delight as if by magic
the clown captivated the toddlers with his balloon tricks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of captivate
Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
The case captivated Australia, with several podcasts chronicling the two-month trial and reporters descending on the small town of Morwell, where proceedings were held.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025
But for those of us who’ve been captivated by the maritime saga since first learning to read, the Grand Staircase feels almost sacred — imagined so often and so vividly that standing here feels strangely natural.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 July 2025
Workers spent three hours on the 1.3-mile move from Shady Brook Drive to 619 S. Church St.
People lined the sidewalks, captivated by the sight of the historic home being carefully transported.
—Paris Goodman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Verb
And that's why this year is the prime time to visit some of the European nation’s most iconic cities, which continue to captivate travelers with world-class art, history, cuisine, and naturally, some fantastic hotels.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
The case captivated Australia, with several podcasts chronicling the two-month trial and reporters descending on the small town of Morwell, where proceedings were held.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025
But for those of us who’ve been captivated by the maritime saga since first learning to read, the Grand Staircase feels almost sacred — imagined so often and so vividly that standing here feels strangely natural.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 July 2025
Workers spent three hours on the 1.3-mile move from Shady Brook Drive to 619 S. Church St.
People lined the sidewalks, captivated by the sight of the historic home being carefully transported.
—Paris Goodman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivate
Verb
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Long fascinated by the moa, Jackson and Walsh have been collecting bones of the extinct bird for years.—
Degen Pener,
HollywoodReporter,
8 July 2025
-
Michael Karin has long been fascinated by what happens when inflammation — ideally a short-term burst of biological activity to promote healing or fight infection — turns chronic and potentially deadly.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 July 2025
Noun
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But a site like GoFundMe offering them could be the start to broadening their appeal—after all, the site has some 200 million users from all income levels, races, and genders.—
Ben Weiss,
Fortune,
30 June 2025
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In a world where the tactile experience of clothing rivals its aesthetic appeal, consumers are on the lookout for garments that not only look good but offer exceptional sensation to the skin.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
30 June 2025
Verb
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According to the most recent survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), sentiment among U.S. homebuilders is now at its lowest level since 2022, as many are forced to cut prices and offer incentives to entice reluctant buyers.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
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Consider homing in on messaging to entice potential guests at a state level, and including campaign variety that appeals to neighboring regions.—
Adam Deflorian,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
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All kinds of vehicles hold a special fascination for kids, trucks in particular.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
11 July 2025
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Trump's fascination for mixed martial arts goes back years and his support for fighting sports goes back even further to his days hosting WrestleMania in Atlantic City, N.J. in 1988.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
4 July 2025
Verb
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In this enchanting new adventure, Princess Tiana brings her whole community together for a spectacular parade.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
11 July 2025
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Here's to the tracks with enchanting bridges, haunting vocals and vault tracks have felt like secret letters.—
Bryan West,
The Tennessean,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Thomas Edison makes real the once fantastical notion of an entire building lit up by electricity, and Oscar Wilde charms the New York aristocracy with his witticisms, if not his plays.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
24 June 2025
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Beyond the traditional elements of talent, grit, and charm, a huge part of what makes or breaks people is timing.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
23 June 2025
Noun
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In Kansas City, the brand-new Museum of BBQ showcases how this quintessential American cuisine is made. Road Cruise Take a road cruise along a captivating northeast loop that’s filled with urban attractions, rugged coasts and gorgeous mountains.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The re-imagined attraction, sponsored by General Motors, closed in June 2024 for an extensive overhaul and will reopen to the guests on July 22.—
Joe Burbank,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Jackson had been delighted by the number of young people who had turned out, a perennial goal for august cultural institutions.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
10 July 2025
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Thus far, the administration has managed to fend off initial court challenges, maintain arrests at a steady clip, and generate images of a ruthless crackdown in a liberal bastion that delight the president’s supporters.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivate. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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