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 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
  • O’Connor’s face filled the screen, her crystal-blue eyes piercing me in my own living room.
    — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 25 July 2026
  • King said Maria Tash, the piercing and jewelry brand that anchors the space, has had a record year.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
Definition of piercing
Verb
  • Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to stabbing four University of Idaho students to death and waived his right to appeal, is now seeking post-conviction relief by claiming his plea was false.
    — Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
  • Blackouts and seizures, tremors that became full-body shakes, stabbing chest pains.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Definition of stabbing
Verb
  • As the spacecraft closed in, the video follows Mars steadily expanding to reveal numerous craters puncturing its surface, the ancient double-ringed Huygens crater and the south polar ice cap before receding in the spacecraft's rearview.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 22 July 2026
  • On June 3, Walden went to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed the metal bristle had become lodged in his bowel and had begun puncturing his intestine.
    — Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of puncturing
Verb
  • The show ushered in a new era of winking, elbow-jabbing meta-musicals.
    — Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 26 June 2026
  • The audience groaned, while Vergara and Mel B screamed for Strange to stop jabbing at his partner through the box.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 17 June 2026
Definition of jabbing
Verb
  • Still, as the season’s profits illustrate, carefully picking home run props can leave bettors in the black.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • Lara is a sweet and relatable protagonist, and her firm dedication to picking herself up and trying to pave her own life after heartbreak is a strong hook to propel the rest of the story forward.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
Definition of picking
Verb
  • SerpApi is hoping that the fight will be over soon, telling Ars that the costly legal battle is worth sticking it out to defend the open web.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026
  • The site points out that dogs sticking their head or paws out the window could lead to them darting out or getting injured, and the brand says pets should be restricted to the backseat.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026
Definition of sticking

Browse Nearby Words

transfixes
transfixing
transform
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Cite this Entry

“Transfixing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transfixing. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on transfixing

Nglish: Translation of transfixing for Spanish Speakers

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