spellbinding 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of spellbindingnext
as in riveting

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spellbinding

2 of 3

noun

as in enchantment

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spellbinding

3 of 3

verb

present participle of spellbind
as in fascinating
to hold the attention of as if by a spell the tale about pirates and their buried treasure had completely spellbound the children

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 spellbinding
Adjective
Byatt layers in invented history and poetry, creating a wholly original and spellbinding novel. — Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026 The Artemis 2 crew captured a spellbinding photo of the crescent Earth shining above the moon's horizon on Flight Day 6 of their mission, shortly before our planet was lost behind the lunar horizon. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
The full-backs, meanwhile, took their time from throw-ins, ensuring team-mates behind the ball were secure and Emiliano Martinez, who produced a second spellbinding save in as many visits to Nottingham, dallied from goal kicks. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 May 2026 In this collection of articles, prepare to immerse yourself in the profound tapestry of Indigenous culture, witness the spellbinding performances that grace Edmonton's Fringe Festival, and maybe even stumble upon a fossil or two. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
That group includes Adeline Hotel frontman Dan Knishkowy, who plays guitar on West’s spellbinding second album, Silent Century. — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 3 Mar. 2026 Back in town, inside Palma’s majestic Gothic landmark La Seu, spellbinding rainbows of color flooded down on the nave, and flying buttresses exquisitely embellished the walkable roof terrace. — Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for spellbinding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spellbinding
  1. riveting
  2. enchantment
  3. fascinating
  4. hypnotic
  5. bewitchment
  6. enchanting
  7. enthralling
  8. automatism
Adjective
  • That became clear when the venue hosted a riveting Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal doubleheader that involved the United States and Canada.
    — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of riveting
Noun
  • In fact, its chief AI product sports a brand name that Eisman fondly recalls from his teenage sci-fi enchantment.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 June 2026
  • The destination's ornate Victorian architecture adds an element of enchantment and grandeur to the scenic backdrop.
    — Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026
Definition of enchantment
Verb
  • Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.
    — Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.
    — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of fascinating
Adjective
  • Plus, all of the songs put you in a nearly hypnotic trance that forces you to count in your head or tap your foot along to the beats.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 2 July 2026
  • There’s something hypnotic and ritualistic in it, something that can become almost shamanic, almost therapeutic — like a sound bath.
    — Alma Rota, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
Definition of hypnotic
Noun
  • Her work, then, is the work of resuscitation via bewitchment.
    — Ocean Vuong, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
  • But if there is some kind of bewitchment going on in these encounters, Evelyn is entirely immune.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 19 Jan. 2025
Definition of bewitchment
Verb
  • The rolling meadows, forests, and enchanting Monet gardens form an artistic canvas that complements the hotel’s interiors.
    — Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
  • The rookie showman is proving his mettle as part of the Caballero Circus, a five-generation family of performers, by enchanting audiences with his charismatic stage presence and sharp coordination.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Definition of enchanting
Adjective
  • The only thing missing from an enthralling first 45 minutes was a goal, but that wasn't for lack of trying.
    — NBC News, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • In fairness, there were long stretches of South Africa-Czech Republic that were not entirely enthralling.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Definition of enthralling
Noun
  • Amid the incredible automatism of the stage production (and life in general), Left Shark’s choreography mistakes spawned a wave of internet memes that made Katy Perry unhappy — until her lawyers saw the value and attempted to trademark Left Shark’s design.
    — Andrey Mir, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Breton aimed to access the unconscious through dream and automatism, a surrealist technique of creating art without conscious control, allowing spontaneous expression from the subconscious mind, free from rational thought or aesthetic rules.
    — Sally Jane Brown, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025
Definition of automatism

Browse Nearby Words

spellbinders
spellbinding
spellbinds
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Cite this Entry

“Spellbinding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spellbinding. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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