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
Relevance
as in riveting
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in enchantment
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spellbinding
Jody Rosen, The New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2022
Check out its first direct image of a gas giant exoplanet as well as a spellbinding view of the Phantom Galaxy.
—Ashley Strickland and Katie Hunt, CNN, 3 Sep. 2022
This easy pullout on the Kancamagus Highway brings motorists face-to-face with a spellbinding view of the White Mountains that stretches on for miles.
—Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 10 Jan. 2022
The most spellbinding moment of the night came afterward, as the crew switched out James Krivchenia’s kick drum.
—Justin Curto, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2021
See All Example Sentences for spellbinding
Verb
To keep your eyes fixed on him throughout a match is both spellbinding and deadly dull.
—Jody Rosen, The New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2022
Check out its first direct image of a gas giant exoplanet as well as a spellbinding view of the Phantom Galaxy.
—Ashley Strickland and Katie Hunt, CNN, 3 Sep. 2022
This easy pullout on the Kancamagus Highway brings motorists face-to-face with a spellbinding view of the White Mountains that stretches on for miles.
—Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 10 Jan. 2022
The most spellbinding moment of the night came afterward, as the crew switched out James Krivchenia’s kick drum.
—Justin Curto, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2021
See All Example Sentences for spellbinding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spellbinding
Adjective
-
But the suspenseful mystery packed into Bella's pursuit of Edward's true identity, enhanced by cinematographer Elliot Davis' eerie visuals, makes for a riveting introduction to the franchise.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
-
The deft tonal shifts, nuanced storytelling, and unvarnished performances announce the arrival of a riveting actor and filmmaker.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
The event, with the theme the Greatest Place on Earth, brought together a network of donors, volunteers,and friends of The Arc of San Diego for an evening of enchantment and a celebration of giving.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 June 2025
-
Now, families will be able to new memories experiencing the enchantment at home.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
7 May 2025
Adjective
-
But the tools seem to exert a hypnotic effect, causing the constant flow of suggestions to override the writer’s own voice.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
25 June 2025
-
Not perfectly, mind you, but there is something almost hypnotic about driving down dirt roads with nothing but horizon in all directions.—
Rich Tabaka,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Her work, then, is the work of resuscitation via bewitchment.—
Ocean Vuong,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
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But if there is some kind of bewitchment going on in these encounters, Evelyn is entirely immune.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Elsewhere in the interview, the Australian actress revealed that the movie — in which Kidman plays a woman having an affair with a younger man — was thrilling for her.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
-
With such fine margins at play, a thrilling title race is effectively guaranteed.—
Neel Shelat,
Forbes,
1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The latter, like the other elaborate handscrolls on display, warrants microscopic examination, so engrossing are the endless tiny details.—
Lori Waxman,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2025
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One surprising element of the show is several engrossing display cases with zines and memorabilia of daily life during those fraught days.—
Christopher Knight,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
At the club, time allows automatisms and structure to become habit.—
Philipp Lahm,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Their players look connected, know where each other are and play with fluidity and automatism.—
Charlotte Harpur,
The Athletic,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Bode’s spring 2026 presentation was enchanting and expanded the emotional potential of a fashion show.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
29 June 2025
-
For example, when Pêche Mirage launched at the beginning of 2025, its enchanting floral and fruity aroma flourished throughout the hotel and spa.—
Dahvi Shira,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spellbinding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spellbinding. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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