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
Catherine Santino, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
What captivated me was this dual dimension: the cultivation of land and vines, and the craftsmanship of the winemaker who transforms raw grapes into a wine that reflects their personality.
—Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Getting to Anderson's sentencing day by the court is the crescendo of a lengthy and emotional legal odyssey that captivated many in Milwaukee and the rest of Wisconsin.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 1 Aug. 2025
You might be captivated by the woman’s overall expressiveness, while a friend fixates on her enigmatic smile.
—Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Verb
On the flip side, stars like Lindsay Lohan and Jenna Ortega had stellar style moments while walking the red carpet for their respective projects (Lohan's looks gave a nod to her iconic Parent Trap role, captivating the hearts of '90s kids everywhere).
—Catherine Santino, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
What captivated me was this dual dimension: the cultivation of land and vines, and the craftsmanship of the winemaker who transforms raw grapes into a wine that reflects their personality.
—Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Getting to Anderson's sentencing day by the court is the crescendo of a lengthy and emotional legal odyssey that captivated many in Milwaukee and the rest of Wisconsin.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 1 Aug. 2025
You might be captivated by the woman’s overall expressiveness, while a friend fixates on her enigmatic smile.
—Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivate
Verb
-
Growing up in the tiny town of Kingston, Minnesota, population less than 200, Tanner had always been fascinated by extreme weather.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The president is known to be fascinated with the sport, having attended three UFC events since his election in November.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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There's got to be a better system that will see all these appeals through quicker.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
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Despite those convictions, Daybell has filed an appeal in Arizona, arguing misconduct and judicial prejudice and is scheduled to appear virtually from Idaho while serving her life terms.—
Miguel Torres,
AZCentral.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
As investors dissect the offering (and as Figma’s stock settles back a bit, falling 27% on Monday), an equally important set of questions are in the air: Will Figma’s debut entice other startups to jump into the fray, bringing an end to the tech industry’s IPO drought?—
Alexandra Sternlicht,
Fortune,
5 Aug. 2025
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With the current economic slowdown, will the Live Local law entice more developers to build workforce housing?—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
DeGroff is the father of the American cocktail renaissance and has a Scorcese-esque fascination with all things New York; Beebe’s extended tribute to the Stork Club and the cocktails therein would’ve been irresistible.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
16 Aug. 2025
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Eventually, Cooper revealed himself to be a serial killer, thus beginning Prater’s fascination with murderers.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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From the Rhine’s romantic bends past half-timbered villages and Gothic cathedrals to the Danube’s imperial sweep through Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava—each voyage is a sensory mosaic of medieval history, fine European cuisine, and enchanting culture.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
-
Mingle with enchanting wizards, witches, elves, fairies, princesses and dragons.—
Caroline Ritzie,
The Enquirer,
25 July 2025
Verb
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What weary American, accustomed to a life of big-box stores and gig work, wouldn’t be charmed by the opportunity to while away the hours at a table at an outdoor café instead of one in an all-night diner?—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Unlike Trump, they aren’t charmed by the Kremlin’s tough guy.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Then the main attraction will take place on Friday, when Fed Chair Jerome Powell will deliver a speech at a gathering in Jackson Hole, Wyo.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
17 Aug. 2025
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However, Orlando does already have a ride representing the franchise: the motion simulator attraction Fast & Furious – Supercharged. Rip Ride Rockit isn't the first roller coaster that has closed at Universal Orlando Resort since its grand opening on June 7, 1990.—
Gillian Telling,
People.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The intimate space features a black-and-white checkerboard floor, vintage touches like a pink phone booth and pastry cases stocked with buttery delights.—
Bahar Anooshahr,
AZCentral.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Double dry-hopped with Simcoe, Edward delights those who enjoy hop aromas and flavors without a pronounced hop bitterness.—
Peter Rowe,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivate. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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