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

As captivating as the suspense is the provocative exploration of working with a helpful (yet annoying) colleague who’s not quite human. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025

Playwright Lloyd Suh creates a captivating portrayal of intelligent, curious and creative women navigating the challenges of a new country. —Encinitas Advocate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025

Don’t overdo it While TikTok’s 10+ step skincare routines are captivating, skinimalism is the ultimate skincare mantra for 2025. —Varsha Patel, refinery29.com, 29 Dec. 2024

What’s more captivating is the psychology around this reverse in results, as Pep Guardiola’s lineup swaps title ambitions for a push to make the Champions League places. —Henry Flynn, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined above