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
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 captivate
Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 June 2025
The Weeknd would go on to captivate by playing nearly 40 songs.
—Candace McDuffie, VIBE.com, 6 June 2025
Readers have been captivated by its syncopated prose, and its imperative to explore – both an outward journey to the wide open spaces of America, and a journey within of self-discovery.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 June 2025
His synergy with LaMelo is unparalleled, allowing the duo to make plays that captivate the Spectrum Center crowds.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Verb
Perhaps only a mutual agreement to lock away their phones can end the row captivating the nation’s capital and Internet all at once.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 June 2025
The Weeknd would go on to captivate by playing nearly 40 songs.
—Candace McDuffie, VIBE.com, 6 June 2025
Readers have been captivated by its syncopated prose, and its imperative to explore – both an outward journey to the wide open spaces of America, and a journey within of self-discovery.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 June 2025
His synergy with LaMelo is unparalleled, allowing the duo to make plays that captivate the Spectrum Center crowds.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivate
Verb
-
Reddit users were fascinated by the strange-but-smart hospitality hack, with one even inspired to turn it into a trivia question.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
-
There is something magical about a firefly that fascinates young and old alike.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
11 June 2025
Noun
-
There is also a case to be made that playing well with Thompson is part of Peterka’s appeal.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
-
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the fragments offer unique insights into Roman artistry and literacy.—
Willem Marx,
NPR,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
Each tune has its own momentum, with several of them enticing audiences and exciting them for his sophomore album American Heart, which arrives tomorrow (Friday, June 20).—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
-
Netflix may entice its subscribers to chill, but the global streamer is working on new offerings and deals to future-proof its content lineup and business.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
This may be explained by my longtime fascination with pears.—
Cressida Leyshon,
New Yorker,
15 June 2025
-
That fascination grew into a collection of 120,000 postcards, 700 of which were featured in a 2012 exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.—
Pete Born,
Footwear News,
15 June 2025
Verb
-
Explore Tallulah Falls Cumberland Island Steeped in history, this enchanting Georgia barrier island feels suspended in time.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
26 May 2025
-
Bali Known for its beaches and spiritual atmosphere, Bali has long been enchanting travelers looking for solace.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In the video, Chelsie Dahl shared her son's nightly ritual that has charmed viewers worldwide.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 June 2025
-
Bo Peep Bo Peep is a flirt who likes to charm the other toys.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
The city is open to ideas on how best to turn the little park into a big attraction.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 June 2025
-
Budget-friendly movie houses known as nickelodeons became a favorite attraction for urban dwellers in the first two decades of the 20th century.—
Timeka Tounsel,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Verb
-
Anything to do with the arts and the entertainment world will delight you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
16 June 2025
-
All About George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet Prince Louis, 7, Hilariously Copies Big Brother Prince George, 11, Flipping His Hair on Live TV When the royals gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the event's grand finale, the aerial flypast, Prince Louis continued to delight.—
Stephanie Petit,
People.com,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivate. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share