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
William Earl, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
This image is eerie and captivating.
—Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
If the arrangement of that content is captivating?
—Maggie Anders, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
This black comedy anthology presents four tales and a captivating finale.
—William Earl, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
This image is eerie and captivating.
—Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Fearless alternative pop singer Noga Erez is on the brink of superstardom with a unique, captivating sound and a major studio album on the way.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
If the arrangement of that content is captivating?
—Maggie Anders, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
-
In fourth grade, shortly after discovering online shopping, Mira found a cheap, appealing dress on Shein.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
The crisis is also making renewable energy more appealing and could speed up the decline of fossil fuels.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.—
Glenn Peoples,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The Grammy Award-winning rapper made history as the show’s first woman to portray the charismatic cabaret manager Zidler — the character’s full name is Harold Zidler.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
-
It’s been a long time since South Texas politics has produced such an unusual and high-stakes congressional race as this year’s battle between a two-term Republican incumbent and her Democratic opponent, a charismatic political neophyte who’s accustomed to being in the public eye.—
Joe Holley,
Washington Post,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Their 2022 Pinot Noir has enticing aromas of cherry cola, cinnamon, and red raspberry that lead to delicious flavors of cherry, raspberry, cranberry, and brown baking spices.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
1 May 2026
-
On Friday, he was charged in Wareham District Court with witness intimidation and enticing a child under 16.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Red varieties are highly attractive to hummingbirds, while butterflies and other pollinators also frequent the showy blooms.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
2 May 2026
-
The document says Jones put in place attractive incentives so officers would retire before their terms were up.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
That studio bosses of today don’t care about enchanting audiences.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Equally enchanting this fashion month were Celine’s colorful leather pouches—particularly in cobalt blue, a trending hue—as seen on Ramya Giangola and Yumi Shin below.—
Andrea Zendejas,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The neighborhood/area Just a couple blocks off the eastern end of Montauk’s main drag, Marram is walking distance from charming local eateries (like Joni’s, for breakfast), surfboard rentals over at Sunset Surf Shack, and fresh brews at Montauk Brewing Company.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
-
There’s Lewis Pullman, continuing to work his own dad’s charming everyman appeal.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
On World Rhythms, Lockwood trusts the listener to hear the arc of its noises, to trace their emergence and disappearance, their strange, seductive confluence.—
Joshua Minsoo Kim,
Pitchfork,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Together, Venus and Pluto create a blend of seductive charm, substance and intellectual stimulation.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
