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
Norway's star forward Erling Haaland hasn’t played today, but fans expecting to see a high-scoring display haven’t been let down, as Ousmane Dembélé scored three goals in a riveting first half. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026 The show has a long history with Annecy, as WBA announced it here three years ago, before bringing it to a riveting work-in-progress session last year in Annecy as well. — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 25 June 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
  • England versus Argentina also features two previous winners, but this match has a much more interesting history to it.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Looks like an interesting docu-series, though, maybe especially for those of us who will never go in person.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
Definition of interesting
Verb
  • Simply put, a taker who has the luxury of focusing 100 per cent on the ball while making contact with it will kick it with more precision.
    — Geir Jordet, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Instead of focusing on mining, the project strengthens refining capacity, allowing more defense-grade materials to be processed domestically.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
Definition of focusing
Adjective
  • That is what has made this past week-plus so intriguing in the Miami Heat’s backcourt.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2026
  • Bond has always been an intriguing vessel; by design, the spy is detached and isolated, a character who can disappear into the shadows and emerge totally fixated on a new mission with his past loves and losses brushed off with ease.
    — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
Definition of intriguing
Verb
  • The company sold its once-extensive downtown Des Moines office complex in 2025, concentrating its workers at the Jordan Creek facility.
    — Israel Schuman, Des Moines Register, 9 July 2026
  • Michelle Pfeiffer’s return to series television after years of concentrating on feature films and her family has paid off in a big way.
    — Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of concentrating
Adjective
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
  • The most fascinating quarter-final tie for me, given that Switzerland denied us an ​all-South American affair between Argentina​ and Colombia.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of fascinating
Adjective
  • Unlike most humans, AI systems can be endlessly engaging, infinitely patient, and relentlessly affirming.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 July 2026
  • Alternatively, generative AI could allow people to work longer as productivity increases, pushing up wages and letting workers focus on engaging tasks, according to Sanzenbacher.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 13 July 2026
Definition of engaging
Adjective
  • With SoniQ™ Technology, RPG aims to address that concern by integrating sound-absorbing functionality directly into furniture surfaces.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • Dry skin This is a fast-absorbing blend of seed, nut, and flower oils that delivers lightweight hydration and supports the skin barrier.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 25 June 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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