riveting 1 of 2

adjective

ˈri-və-tiŋ How to pronounce riveting (audio)
Definition of rivetingnext
as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

riveting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of rivet
as in focusing
to fix (as one's attention) steadily toward a central objective everyone riveted their eyes on the trick that the magician was performing on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 riveting
Adjective
This season’s new fiction and nonfiction illuminate our manic world while offering riveting escapes. — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026 Using a seamless combination of FaceTime calls, CCTV and news footage, and investigators’ video evidence, Aneesh Chaganty weaves a riveting, anxious, and classically creepy found footage movie that puzzles until its final moments. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
Verb
Pomona native and Cal Poly grad who flew Navy F-18s successfully launches as pilot of NASA’s riveting Artemis II mission around the moon, the first such voyage since the Apollo program in 1972. — Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026 Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone wondering how to make each hour in their workday riveting for television viewers. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for riveting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riveting
  1. interesting
  2. focusing
  3. intriguing
  4. concentrating
  5. fascinating
  6. engaging
  7. absorbing
Adjective
  • The research examining wearables indicate interesting results.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The former’s status as a non-comedy comedy has been processed ad nauseam, but Margo makes for a more interesting case as a new show.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of interesting
Verb
  • The rooms All are subtly and swankily music-themed in the spirit of the hotel’s strong music history (Carnegie Hall is nearly next door) and art works focusing on instruments placed throughout the property were curated by The Met.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, the filmmakers chose to go smaller, focusing on the internal conflict and loneliness of Holland’s Peter Parker after a spell forces his friends to forget him.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of focusing
Adjective
  • Another intriguing possibility is fellow rookie outfielder Jonah Cox, who played middle infield in college.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The South’s own Sarasota, Florida This Gulf Coast city, which is about an hour south of Tampa, has gorgeous beaches, unique botanical gardens, great food, deep cultural roots, and an intriguing history that has a lot to offer visitors.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of intriguing
Verb
  • Rather than concentrating decision-making at the corporate center, Maybourne creates an environment in which property leaders are trusted to exercise judgment for their guests, their teams, and their local markets.
    — Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • By concentrating much of the color on the apples of her cheeks, the effect is angelicly flushed and dewy.
    — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Definition of concentrating
Adjective
  • Although much of it feels like a coda to Endgame, Far From Home manages to chart out some fascinating future possibilities for the MCU.
    — EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Salt Lake City, Utah The capital city of Utah, Salt Lake teems with both fascinating history and outdoor recreation opportunities.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of fascinating
Adjective
  • That might make this desirable to gadget nerds who aren't even necessarily in the market for a less engaging phone.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The robot could make AI lessons more engaging, but families still need clear answers about what Optio remembers, who can access that data and when the district deletes it.
    — Jesse Watson, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of engaging
Adjective
  • Despite its two-hour-52-minute run time, its pace is absorbing, particularly after the jagged editing of the first hour.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • The footbed is cushioned, shock-absorbing, and breathable, so these premium sandals are suitable for all-day wear.
    — Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 18 July 2026
Definition of absorbing

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Cite this Entry

“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riveting. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on riveting

Nglish: Translation of riveting for Spanish Speakers

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