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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of captivate
Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Whether or not the wolf DNA is entirely accurate, Faris’ story has captivated online audiences.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Jared Weiss, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Verb
Under the stars, hundreds gather on blankets and folding chairs, some with picnic baskets and bottles of wine, others as passersby who stop, captivated by the 7,000-square-foot screen lighting up the New World Center.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Whether or not the wolf DNA is entirely accurate, Faris’ story has captivated online audiences.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
Wembanyama’s captivation with the intricacies of space travel was apparent.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivate
Verb
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Known for roles in Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian, Giancarlo admits that antagonists have always fascinated him because of their complexity.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
4 Oct. 2025
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The Dan Marino quotes lining the walls of Hard Rock Stadium fascinated the AD.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For a generation living in great uncertainty—from the GFC to COVID to cost-of-living pressures—Trump’s disruptive appeal offers both a protest and a sense of control.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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So while the shutdown is set to disrupt a wide range of federal programs, the SSA will continue holding appointments for benefit applications, considering appeals requests, and issuing original and replacement Social Security cards, among other services.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In early September, Jakarta police alleged that some TikTok users purposefully broadcast live during the violence to entice viewers into giving them gifts or virtual prizes that can be exchanged for cash.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
6 Oct. 2025
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There's something wicked about building horror movies around toys, dolls, and other kid-friendly touchstones; they're bound to entice (and potentially scar) curious young audiences more than usual.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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On the other hand, this actress has a fascination for the youth, for the beauty, for the innocence of this young girl.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
3 Oct. 2025
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Advertisement Origins of the water crisis The environmental unraveling of Iran began with a fascination for concrete.—
Nik Kowsar,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Castlecore Castlecore continues to enchant Pinterest users, blending medieval fantasy with mystical, whimsical elements.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Oct. 2025
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And to those of you who are new, I'm enchanted to meet you.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Forced by competition and driven by profit Despite the warnings, the attractiveness of higher returns remains powerful, particularly for insurers and pension managers facing long-term liabilities.—
Ganesh Rao,Karen Tso,
CNBC,
20 Sep. 2025
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Nevertheless, regardless of the potential attractiveness, investing in an individual stock entails significant risk.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This is the perfect time to update your social platforms, start a podcast or simply charm people with your charming storytelling.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
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Each is nevertheless charmed by the other, forming a relationship that’s portrayed a bit like an illicit affair.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The goal is for the singles to connect on an emotional and intellectual level before seeing each other in person, thus building a foundation stronger than just physical attraction.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Oct. 2025
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Other attractions include Bloodmoon Ranch, Funhouse Nightmare, Bleakmore Asylum, The Zombie Shootout, Escape Room, Axe Throwing and Monster Midway.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivate. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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