spellbinding 1 of 3

spellbinding

2 of 3

noun

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
Ireland sings with story and spellbinding scenery. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 The latest was an acrobatic 25-yard reception on an equally spellbinding throw from rookie quarterback Bo Nix that came on fourth-and-1 and pulled Denver to within one point, 24-23. Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024
Noun
Hearing these spellbinding performances in our state-of-the-art studios has been nothing short of extraordinary. Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
Series brings spellbinding colors and AI-powered smarts to your movie nights. PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025 Both were spellbinding experiences that exuded joy and adventure in equal measure, prompting me and other attendees to repeatedly grin and shake our heads in wonder and awe. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spellbinding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spellbinding
Adjective
  • The baby, as NoiseCat recounts in this riveting memoir, was his father.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
  • As the day intensifies, Late Shift becomes a gripping race against time, leading to a powerful and riveting climax.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Step outside, and the enchantment continues.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Taurus There is enchantment and positivity in the air, urging you to use your power to help others.
    Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With her powerful voice and hypnotic interpretative quality, Peluso seems tailor-made for this.
    Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2025
  • His presence is fresh, empathetic, often hypnotic, and never overacted.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
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
Verb
  • Even the most incredulous of us listened to him describe the visions of fleeting stars that were enchanting enough to swoon the most beautiful people on this poor Earth.
    Big Think, Big Think, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Then the picture begins to blur before coming back into clear focus to reveal Novak, still enchanting at 92, standing in a room filled with her paintings.
    Jeremy Helligar, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Without spoiling the climax, A Tale of Two Sisters uses the haunted house motif almost as a window dressing to obscure the psychological aspects at play in this immensely enthralling, supernatural flick.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Samantha Eggar, the vivacious British actress whose five-year run starting in 1965 included enthralling performances in The Collector, Return From the Ashes, Doctor Dolittle and The Molly Maguires, has died.
    Chris Koseluk, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There is a quality of trance, of autohypnosis, in her style.
    New York Times, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2021
Verb
  • This suave, mesmerizing short will inspire you to finally pick up that film camera and appreciate the art of analog.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The stories, featuring interwoven poetry, are mesmerizing.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spellbinding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spellbinding. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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