as in appealing
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract
a captivating performance by the young singing sensation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of captivating
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2025
Cool, contrived, controversial, captivating, contentious, curious, confounding — pick your adjective.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 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
Moreover, like Jamie and Claire’s love story, the romances between Ellen and Brian as well as Henry and Julia are both filled with the same longing and desire that made the initial show so captivating.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2025
Cool, contrived, controversial, captivating, contentious, curious, confounding — pick your adjective.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 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
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For many, simply sitting on the couch at home with a dog by their side remains more appealing than slipping into VR.—
Mack DeGeurin Aug 20,
Popular Science,
20 Aug. 2025
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The work to make merchandise more appealing will continue, Fiddelke said Wednesday.—
Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Could this photogenic, moody, charismatic actor carry a movie on his own if needed to?—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
28 Aug. 2025
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The actor has also earned ample acclaim for charismatic turns in The Matador (2005), The Ghost Writer (2010), and Black Bag (2025).—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Plus, with all due respect, Utah has not proven to be an attractive destination for star free agents.—
Bobby Krivitsky,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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The 2026’s new lights freshen its exterior appearance, while updates like the crisp HUD and 12.3-inch touch screen add to the appeal of an attractive and accommodating cabin.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Neither Oh’s dizzy countess nor Nyong’o’s charming, feckless Viola ever takes the reins of this production, but that would be hard to do.—
Helen Shaw,
New Yorker,
22 Aug. 2025
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The area, which also includes Milan and Lake Como, is even trending with travelers this year thanks to its vibrant city life, charming lakefront resorts, and gorgeous villages.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The result was completely was enchanting, including the brusque Communist-era service.—
Sarah Turner,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Depending on the season, there are dozens of opportunities to harvest nature's bounty in Pungo, an enchanting and unexpected 8,000 acres of farmland just past Sandbridge Beach.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The historical documents, photographs, and artifacts are fascinating.—
Marybeth Gasman,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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But the backfield competition for the active roster is likely over, signaling an equally fascinating competition to come: How will touches be divvied up come Week 1?—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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This dramatic hue is equal parts sophisticated and seductive, just like its namesake.—
Rosie Jarman,
Vogue,
28 Aug. 2025
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Expansion is seductive, but distraction wears Prada, too. 1.—
Alla Adam,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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