as in appealing
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract
a captivating performance by the young singing sensation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in fascinating
to attract or delight as if by magic
the clown captivated the toddlers with his balloon tricks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 captivating
Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2025
His unique body type is as rare as his captivating blend of power and athleticism.
—Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Oscar-winning actors embody roles in an authentic way, captivating audiences and serving stories that transcend their selves.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
His performances, however, were captivating and nuanced, an unmistakable result of his relentless dedication to his craft.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2025
His unique body type is as rare as his captivating blend of power and athleticism.
—Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
Few shows are as visually alluring and simultaneously captivating in their storytelling as The White Lotus.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Oscar-winning actors embody roles in an authentic way, captivating audiences and serving stories that transcend their selves.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
-
Stronger enforcement of equal pay laws, pay transparency regulations, a higher minimum wage, policies to align school and work schedules, and again, paid leave could all make being a working mother a more equitable—and therefore appealing—experience.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Studies suggest their vibrant color makes food more appealing and could even increase appetite.—
Sony Salzman,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
One of my favorites of the important supporting cast is the charismatic Chinese couple who runs two shops in town and provides material support to the twins’ efforts to start their juke joint — Grace (Li Jun Li) and Bow Chow (Yao), who have an adolescent daughter, Lisa (Helena Hu).—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
-
But the early jockeying has started drawing donors’ imaginations, and so far, two charismatic leaders from the next generation of Democrats have emerged as figures to watch.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Nearly all bird species feed their young insects, so planting native greenery that attracts bugs can be enticing to hummingbirds.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Experts say the falling rate could thaw the largely frozen housing market by enticing buyers off the sidelines.—
Kevin Williams,
Quartz,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The vast majority of the city’s industrial jobs remained low paying, dangerous, and only attractive to the most desperate Americans until the 1940s.—
Made by History,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
-
While sunbathing at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the actress Norma Shearer noticed an attractive young man at poolside talking on a telephone.—
Thomas Doherty,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Jacquemus Opens Los Angeles Boutique—Attendees For Opening Include Lori Harvey And Laura Harrier Nestled in the heart of West Hollywood, French fashion house Jacquemus has unveiled its new boutique within a charming rustic home.—
Mecca Pryor,
Essence,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Bringing in this charming, unpredictable element illustrates Rowlson-Hall’s approach to embracing life in all its beauty and complications.—
Laura Regensdorf,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In a kingdom where beauty is a brutal business, Elvira will compete with the beautiful and enchanting Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss) to become the belle of the ball in a film that bitingly examines body image and beauty standards.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Emotive, enchanting and exotic, the track weaves kalimba and chanting vocals with soft, brooding piano and string parts — and even a subtle harp.—
Katie Bain,
Billboard,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Their work raises fascinating questions: is there something inherent within imperial systems that leads to overreach?—
Steven Desmyter,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Yet, as captured in this fascinating documentary, his life and on-set persona were messy, complicated, and unforgettable.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Her breakout role was in the 2017 Bravo series Imposters, playing the seductive con artist Maddie.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The internet had been buzzing with rumors that her seductive serenade during the R&B superstar’s live performance sparked a breakup with a supposed husband, but Tillman is calling it all fan fiction.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share