riveting 1 of 2

Definition of rivetingnext

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
The resulting picture is tremendously enjoyable, riveting and rousing and tragic in equal measure, with numerous sequences that remain iconic to this day. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025 The Quarter Queen is a riveting read that does not shy away from both the light and the dark aspects of the supernatural, while highlighting aspects of New Orleans’ history. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
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 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
  • The Cowboys have mastered the art of entertaining and interesting better than any sports franchise in the world, but there is a redundancy that to the person who spends a lot of their money on it is justifiably checked out.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Seeing these guys unapologetically portrayed by an actor whose superpower is the audience is always with him was interesting.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • This Iranian regime has spent years focusing outside its borders on fomenting terrorism and aggression in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Gaza, instead of listening to the needs of its own citizens.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • This shows that focusing on quality, technology, and caring for patients is the best way to achieve medical excellence today.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But a new study has cast doubt on the idea that the intriguing world shrouded in ice could indeed harbor extraterrestrial life deep in its vast ocean of liquid saltwater.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The most intriguing combo of late, though, features Robertson, Nicolas Roy and Easton Cowan.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Institutional investors typically buy single-family homes to rent them out, often concentrating in suburban neighborhoods around major metro areas, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The group was founded in collaboration with the public health organization Institute for Public Strategies with the primary purpose of concentrating on the environment of Lemon Grove.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
  • This creates a fascinating philosophical dilemma.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The event will focus on wisdom and wellness, featuring engaging speakers, meaningful conversations, and breathtaking coastal views paired with exceptional cuisine, according to a news release.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Ranging from 24 to 50 minutes, the 11 episodes are highly engaging and digestible.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Armed with their music knowledge, Kristjanson and Devoe equipped the listening room and wine bar with a JJ322 tube amp, Klipsch AK6 speakers and sound-absorbing panels along the walls and ceilings that look ornamental and decorative at first glance.
    Nneka M. Okona, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Jan. 2026
  • For a small circle of connoisseurs, these alliances are almost as absorbing as the music itself.
    John Phipps, New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riveting. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

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