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
Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
To continue this story with a riveting middle, identify the central source of tension, and maintain that tension using only the necessary details.
—Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riveting
Adjective
In addition, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt came together for a riveting tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.
—Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
To continue this story with a riveting middle, identify the central source of tension, and maintain that tension using only the necessary details.
—Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
What makes the best podcasts riveting?
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riveting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riveting
Adjective
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That's a really interesting way to put it.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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Sign up for our Park Life newsletter and find out what’s new and interesting every week at Southern California’s theme parks.—
Robert Niles,
Oc Register,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At City, he does not get involved in the football intricacies, instead focusing on cutting deals.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
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Trojans head coach Elan Bain said focusing on their fundamentals was a key to victory.—
Zachary McMahon,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Read together, both studies also hinted at an intriguing contrast in how people were using chatbots in work contexts, compared to more personal ones.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
16 Sep. 2025
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And, to make matters more intriguing, not everything about the plasma changed between 2017 and 2021.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Chinese are also concentrating on plug-in hybrids, which don’t carry the same penal tariffs as pure EVs, and which may have a long-term future if the EU decides to dilute its carbon dioxide emissions regime.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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As a high-energy laser, Iron Beam intercepts threats in seconds by concentrating a beam on a critical point of an incoming object.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The choice Task makes to soften Ruffalo’s natural affability and presence in favor of Pelphrey’s Robbie—who transmits anger and despair with palpable, desperate energy—is a fascinating one, requiring humility from one actor and intense commitment from the other.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
17 Sep. 2025
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The result was a highly engaging, real-time campaign that blended entertainment, brand interaction and messaging into a single user journey.—
Ivan Ostojić,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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On the whole, the winners' speeches were thoughtful, moving and engaging.—
Alex Apatoff,
PEOPLE,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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An ancillary of the brand’s best-selling, ambery-woody eau, each aluminum tube contains a quick-absorbing lotion that lavishes skin with moisture, keeping hands feeling comfortable and cuticles softened with its moisturizing blend of avocado oil, shea butter, plus green tea and chamomile extracts.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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The fast-absorbing, spreadable formula is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and layers beautifully under makeup.—
Sarah Y. Wu,
Glamour,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riveting. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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