transfixing

verb

present participle of transfix
as in piercing
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object transfixed the inanimate butterfly specimens to the collection board

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 transfixing His eight-song set, which I was blessed to experience firsthand, was sparsely arranged—the accompaniment amounted to a set of brass bells, a bass guitar, and Cox’s trusty SP-404—yet transfixing all the same. — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2026 What makes Sam McConnell’s film transfixing, however, is the very personal nature of the drama, written by star Brock Yurich and clearly inspired by his own story. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 Brazen, physical, able to do more with one (yes) intense gesture than with reams of dialogue, his Bullseye is transfixing. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transfixing
  1. piercing
  2. stabbing
  3. puncturing
  4. jabbing
  5. picking
  6. sticking
Verb
  • The silver undertones complemented Schafer’s piercing blue eyes, which were set in a smoky cat-eye style of black eyeliner and taupe shadow, adding to the drama of the look.
    — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2026
  • And over there—the six sky-piercing minarets of the 400-year-old Blue Mosque.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of piercing
Verb
  • Prosecutors said Gargiulo charmed women in the Los Angeles area by presenting himself as a friendly neighbor and handyman before breaking into their homes and stabbing them to death.
    — Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Paula Larson, 60, smiles tearfully outside the Markham Courthouse after James Barbier was convicted of murder in the stabbing death of her mother in 1966.
    — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of stabbing
Verb
  • Debris landed on their roof, puncturing it so that rainwater was flowing into their living room.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026
  • In fact, Fielder says, Blaine was literally stabbing his hand, puncturing his own flesh to create the illusion of an illusion.
    — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of puncturing
Verb
  • Then, inside the death house, executioners struggled to find a vein, jabbing Pike with at least seven needles, according to her lawyers, one of whom watched in dismay.
    — Keri Blakinger, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2026
  • When handcuffed by investigators, Thakor denied jabbing his wife with a knife.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of jabbing
Verb
  • Leshan’s Giant Buddha is 40 minutes away, and in springtime, the hotel can arrange a tea-picking experience at the Zhuyeqing plantation, about 30 minutes out.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
  • There’s an enormous amount of information available, and both sportsbooks and sharp bettors spend all week picking these games apart.
    — Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of picking
Verb
  • Using a rolling pin, roll it into a 12-inch round, lifting and rotating the dough and adding another dusting of flour as needed to keep it from sticking.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Seeds are spread to new areas along waterways and by sticking onto fur and clothing or equipment.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of sticking

Browse Nearby Words

transfixes
transfixing
transform
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transfixing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transfixing. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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