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
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
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Recent Examples of riveting
Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The verdict While Patina may still be writing its story, the first chapter is already riveting.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
But what if the NFL did away with the not-exactly-riveting TV coin toss while also making coaches think twice about wanting to receive the ball in overtime?
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riveting
Adjective
Visitors can expect a diverse array of free programming, including riveting author readings, live musical performances, and interactive history exhibits.
—Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The verdict While Patina may still be writing its story, the first chapter is already riveting.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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
But what if the NFL did away with the not-exactly-riveting TV coin toss while also making coaches think twice about wanting to receive the ball in overtime?
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riveting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riveting
Adjective
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And Riera — who has arrived from NK Celje in Slovenia — is an interesting person.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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What’s interesting is the NBA has moved away from some events that either have become stale or manipulated, such as the skills competition giving way at next week’s All-Star Weekend.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The president and drug company leaders have previewed the site by focusing on savings for popular drugs such as Ozempic, which often carries a list price of $1,000 per month.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
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Before the relaunch, the label had been dormant in fashion for 30 years, focusing instead on fragrances.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Even a seeming villain like Dunster’s Archie gets intriguing shading over the course of the season.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Feb. 2026
-
And what an intriguing story regarding 28-0 Elsinore.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For example, loss of confidence, difficulty coping with problems and trouble concentrating can make people reduce social engagement or stop doing things that provide mental stimulation.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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This year's ceremony breaks with Olympic tradition by spreading celebrations across multiple Italian cities rather than concentrating everything at San Siro Stadium.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Mindy Weisberger,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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People are interested in the stuff because the underlying scientific and philosophical questions are utterly fascinating.—
Caroline Mimbs Nyce,
New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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These small pets’ active and engaging behavior, from zipping around the tank and finding places to hide in solo play to following movement outside the tank in interactive play, can keep a kid’s attention.—
Sierra Leone Starks,
Parents,
10 Feb. 2026
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Hadi tells an engaging story, brings complex and surprising characters to life, lends a locale an aesthetic iconography, and renders personal identity inextricable from the forces of history that shaped or deformed it.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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However, the loud music combined with the lack of sound-absorbing materials in restaurants have made dining out a stressful event.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
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Movable acoustic drapes and sound-absorbing panels will let the theater be calibrated to the best sound for various styles of performances.—
Heather McRea,
Oc Register,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riveting. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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