as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest
a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
The book’s final section, comprising a reunion at a funeral, could have been mawkish but instead is moving … A riveting tale.
—Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 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
Kaplan and Jamshidi are riveting here, as Marlene’s coolly confident mask slips away and Joyce’s maternal persona belies a steely inner core.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
The book’s final section, comprising a reunion at a funeral, could have been mawkish but instead is moving … A riveting tale.
—Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 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
-
Studying and exercising the brain muscle opens you up to interesting topics.—
Lisa Stardust,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Requiem’s last main area, a high-tech lab, was a bit more interesting to explore, especially when the game switches between Grace and Leon again.—
Jay Peters,
The Verge,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But lawmakers have been chugging away at a lengthy docket, focusing on issues from state budgets to cell phones in schools.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
-
By focusing on arbitrary numbers rather than specific pathogens, the state forces legal growers to treat safe flower, stripping it of quality.—
Rino Ferrarese,
Hartford Courant,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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However, Ty Simpson, whom the Jets met with at the NFL Scouting Combine, is an intriguing prospect who could be a first-round pick.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Sunday’s match against Orlando City has a few intriguing storylines, starting with the rivalry between the clubs.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The trend has been fewer films dominating the nominations, and the numbers bear that out, indicating voters are only concentrating on a few titles.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Aurélien has built its reputation by concentrating on the core of the male wardrobe.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Her conversation was rambling and fascinating.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Mar. 2026
-
In Egypt, the first female pharaoh Hatshepsut presents a fascinating case of artists figuring out how to treat a female body in a traditionally male role.—
Anna Swartwood House,
The Conversation,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Kayne, known for his sharp wit and poignant observations, brings his distinctive brand of humor to the SXSW stage with an engaging 40-minute session offering an intimate look into the world of stand-up comedy, combining live performance with candid conversation.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
25 Feb. 2026
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Director Jessica Stone has given the show a briskly engaging pace that slows enough to let its deepest emotions resonate.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This lotion is fast-absorbing, relieving your tattoo’s dry, itchy skin and providing 48-hour moisture.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Concentrated solar systems collect broader wavelengths using mirrors, but require large-scale infrastructure and still depend on receiver materials that are not perfectly absorbing.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riveting. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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