captivating

adjective

cap·​ti·​vat·​ing ˈkap-tə-ˌvā-tiŋ 

: charmingly or irresistibly appealing

a captivating aroma

It's an utterly exotic combination of flavors, and a completely captivating one.

—Howard Seftel

Books with captivating stories and bright, uncomplicated artwork will enchant the very young without being too demanding.

—Ed Zotti

A captivating storyteller, he conveys the cozy domesticity of the small-time growers as well as the Technicolor style of life of the big deal-makers.

—Alison Friesinger

captivatingly adverb

a captivatingly sweet voice

Each room is named for a month, and January through December are captivatingly filled with fanciful hearts, flowers, and vines that trail over the beds, chests, and wardrobes.

—Mimi Elder

Synonyms

• alluring
• appealing
• attractive
• bewitching
• charismatic
• charming
• elfin
• enchanting
• engaging
• entrancing
• fascinating
• fetching
• glamorous
• glamourous
• luring
• magnetic
• seductive

Examples of captivating in a Sentence

a captivating performance by the young singing sensation

Recent Examples on the Web

But one performance in the documentary about 1969’s Harlem Cultural Festival was singularly captivating: that of multiracial band Sly and the Family Stone in all its glorious, psychedelic soul-funk splendor. —Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 12 Feb. 2025

While the runway is the main event, street style is equally captivating, attracting its own unique crowds with a few familiar faces making regular appearances. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 12 Feb. 2025

The duo’s race between the U.K. and France to evade interested parties and complete Ed’s thesis should be captivating. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 22 Jan. 2025

The first Legends spin off, Arceus, was a captivating left turn from the usual Pokémon gameplay and storyline. —James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined above