appealing

adjective

ap·​peal·​ing ə-ˈpē-liŋ How to pronounce appealing (audio)
1
: having appeal : pleasing
an appealing design
2
: marked by earnest entreaty : imploring
the appealing look of an injured dog
appealingly adverb

Examples of appealing in a Sentence

a book with an appealing title the idea of living on Mars is appealing to space enthusiasts
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
With hyper-masculine influencers on their social media feeds promoting self-improvement through extreme workout and diet regimens, the idea of sitting in a circle and talking about feelings might sound less appealing. Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 4 May 2025 Instead of being demonized, marginalized, or portrayed as the 'other,' our characters were attractive, appealing, affluent. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 May 2025 But for me, the thick, sticky, concentrated preserves are just as appealing, whether on toast, with cheese, or encased in crostata. Adam Erace, Saveur, 1 May 2025 Even on homosexuality, many said Francis’ approach was one of subtlety that resonated in Africa and made the church’s doctrine more appealing on a continent with the world’s highest share of young people. Elian Peltier, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for appealing

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of appeal entry 2

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of appealing was in 1749

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Cite this Entry

“Appealing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appealing. Accessed 12 May. 2025.

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