fascinating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfas-ˌnā-tiŋ How to pronounce fascinating (audio)
Definition of fascinatingnext
1
as in appealing
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract the fascinating cities and peoples of central Asia have been intriguing travelers at least since the time of Marco Polo

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2
as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest the fascinating—but dubious—legend that Pocahontas rescued John Smith from certain death

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fascinating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of fascinate
1
as in charming
to attract or delight as if by magic for years the zoo's family of giant pandas have fascinated visitors

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2
as in enchanting
to hold the attention of as if by a spell I can gaze at the sea for hours, fascinated by the never-ending waves crashing upon the shore

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3
as in intriguing
to hold the attention of the subject of artificial intelligence fascinates me

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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 fascinating
Adjective
The presentation was fascinating — from the polka dots and lighting affects to the oversized noses (with Khn’s standing out like a French baguette and Klek’s swinging about like a cucumber taped where the nostrils should go). — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 The real world is always more boring than sci-fi, but solving this part of the puzzle will still be fascinating and not easy. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set. — Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025 Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best. — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fascinating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fascinating
  1. appealing
  2. interesting
  3. charming
  4. enchanting
  5. intriguing
  6. charismatic
  7. engaging
  8. enticing
Adjective
  • Among the 3,000 buildings the first licensed Black architect designed, from private residences to hotels, some of his most appealing—including one that formerly housed actor Denzel Washington’s family—can be found in Toluca Lake.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Another clear indication of a franchise running on fumes is that its most appealing element is now increasingly convoluted and tedious.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of appealing
Adjective
  • The angled sides create a visually interesting silhouette, while the glass front distinguishes it from a mere box of wood.
    — Evan Russum, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Classic notes are also growing up this season—tonka is vanilla’s more interesting older sister, able to shift from woody to dry to nutty, depending on the present company.
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of interesting
Verb
  • As John and Gates are playing cards, with the con man still working on charming the agent, the first guard assigned outside in the hallway drops.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Plant flowering shrubs or vines that can trail over the top, charming the neighbors while screening the view at the same time.
    — Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
Definition of charming
Verb
  • The rolling meadows, forests, and enchanting Monet gardens form an artistic canvas that complements the hotel’s interiors.
    — Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
  • The rookie showman is proving his mettle as part of the Caballero Circus, a five-generation family of performers, by enchanting audiences with his charismatic stage presence and sharp coordination.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Definition of enchanting
Verb
  • The female forward is in front of the camera, behind the camera, really getting women, intriguing them to come to the service and watch.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The first four episodes made available for review likewise have tiny sparks of interest, from some witty dialogue to genuine plot momentum to intriguing new characters popping up.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 21 June 2026
Definition of intriguing
Adjective
  • Ry then finds unexpected love with charismatic Spanish local Julian (played by Fernando Lindez).
    — Niya Doyle, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Whether by Curry’s charismatic nature or through a perfectionist drive to study, the late artist understood how to expand almost any creative assignment.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of charismatic
Adjective
  • The 2010s produced far more watchable, engaging Test cricket than the run-laden 2000s, thanks in no small part to a shift in pitch preparation.
    — Ben Jones Aug. 26, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Qualley, who keeps getting better with each role, makes for an engaging companion for Hig, both not ready to give up on life.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of engaging
Verb
  • The hiring of the Catalan content creator, however, has only served to enrage the public, rather than enticing them to watch the race.
    — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • If analyst predictions prove correct and the iPhone Fold tops out at $2,400, Apple will have to find a way to make that enticing through pre-order deals and high trade-in prices.
    — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of enticing

Browse Nearby Words

fascinates
fascinating
fascination
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Cite this Entry

“Fascinating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fascinating. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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