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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
In my case, the individual discussions ranged from totally fascinating with someone who totally understood the work … and then another person who was very open about being skeptical about how genetics could possibly solve such a problem. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026 The accident, by contrast, gives autofiction a fascinating physical dimension. — Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
The trailer promises fascinating new characters, like one man who lives on a sailboat for most of the year. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2026 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 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
  • In the eyes of powerful players such as Europe and the United States, Brazil was an appealing place for investment and a growing force in multilateral diplomacy.
    — MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Any growth initiatives had to be funded through partners’ capital – hardly an appealing prospect for those same partners – which resulted in a long period of low growth into new business lines.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of appealing
Adjective
  • The pressure is on the Dodgers, and if the Braves can steal a game in Los Angeles, things could get interesting.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • There are also some interesting features of the actual delivery of the first two as well.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 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
  • Even the Owens family’s enchanting New England home, which the internet has spent nearly three decades foaming at the mouth over, is barely seen, as much of the film takes place overseas.
    — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2026
  • Practical Magic 2 has Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman enchanting a new generation of fans, but not everyone from the original cast returned for the sequel.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 Sep. 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
  • Its inclusion in the corridors of power is characteristic of the 52-year-old executive, whom colleagues describe as committed, charismatic and down-to-earth.
    — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The biopic centers on charismatic auto industry executive Sergio Marchionne, played by Pierfrancesco Favino, who saved Fiat from the brink of bankruptcy.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of charismatic
Adjective
  • Elise Armani and Katy Siegel, an art history PhD candidate/museum curator and an art history professor, respectively, coauthor in an engaging voice, and their joint expertise ranges impressively across media.
    — Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Excellent, from the thorough and intuitive spa therapists, to the engaging and sweet girls who run the kids’ club, the generous ice-cream scoopers at the Haagen-Dazs counter, and the nothing-is-too-much-trouble front desk.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of engaging
Verb
  • Caruso has been charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse inflicting mental injury.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In essence, disruptor brands give athletes only-child treatment, which is enticing in a crowded market.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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