as in to fascinate
to attract or delight as if by magic
the clown captivated the toddlers with his balloon tricks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in appeal
the power of irresistible attraction
by some mysterious method of captivation, the therapist is able to evoke a response from even the shiest of children
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of captivate
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
Alexis, a beauty product developer and educator, and Christina, a PhD Doctor in Digital Education and Technology, have captivated nearly 1.5 million social media followers by demystifying the beauty industry and providing an insider’s perspective on how products work—and why that matters.
—Jane Hanson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
The legal dispute has not only captivated viewers online but also underscored the complex power dynamics in Hollywood.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Artistry Mask is a peel-off mask that, when applied and set, gives the exact glass-like radiance that so captivated the audience that night.
—Jessica Diner, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for captivate 
Verb
Meanwhile, the always captivating Dafoe, at one point wearing full armor, exhibits a not atypical, full-bodied macho flamboyance as a man who regrets not having a son.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
Alexis, a beauty product developer and educator, and Christina, a PhD Doctor in Digital Education and Technology, have captivated nearly 1.5 million social media followers by demystifying the beauty industry and providing an insider’s perspective on how products work—and why that matters.
—Jane Hanson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
The legal dispute has not only captivated viewers online but also underscored the complex power dynamics in Hollywood.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Artistry Mask is a peel-off mask that, when applied and set, gives the exact glass-like radiance that so captivated the audience that night.
—Jessica Diner, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for captivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivate
Verb
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This is an excellent time to dive deep into a subject that once fascinated you, whether through a course or an inspiring conversation — circle back!—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
3 Feb. 2025
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In pictures: Deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County 1 of 99 A complex tangle of motives Many people are fascinated by fire from a young age.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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With the increasing diversity and international appeal of the Academy’s voting body, von Horn, like other directors whose film travel the world, tuned into his film’s universal appeal across language barriers.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
8 Feb. 2025
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Due process still takes place, but there will be a lot less appeals issues.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Builders have been slashing prices and offering incentives to entice buyers.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
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The value proposition for players in a single-player game is a lot fuzzier, though; that's why Sony is adding some candy with these in-game unlockables to try to entice players to create accounts and sign in.—
Samuel Axon,
Ars Technica,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Psychedelic in the Sky | Dir. Matthew Salton; 2024; USA; 11 min A filmmaker explores the nature of belief and his childhood fascinations in the context of a man’s personal UFO experience.—
Addie Morfoot,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2025
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View gallery - 4 images Driven by a fascination with bacteria, microbiologist Julie Kopczyńska has trawled through existing research on the gut microbiome and created an easy-to-use gut health calculator.—
Paul McClure
February 01,
New Atlas,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Pack a sense of adventure and prepare to be enchanted by the 10 best all-inclusive resorts that aren’t located on the beach.—
Meagan Drillinger,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Dec. 2024
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This enchanting one-mile illuminated trail takes you on a nighttime journey through the forest.—
Sandra MacGregor,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Bloom reveals the pair hit it off straight away, and that he was especially charmed by how Barrymore, who began acting at only 11 months old, made an effort to connect with all of the kids on set, too.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 Jan. 2025
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Chiara de Rege’s recent client, a professional couple with a growing family, were charmed by a wall covering from the designer’s Maison C line, cladding a washroom in their former home with the pattern.—
Katherine Burns Olson,
Architectural Digest,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Venus’ collaboration with Pluto turns an attraction into an obsession.—
USA TODAY,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
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But as their friendship blossoms and becomes complicated by Dennis’s attraction to Roman, the story transforms, too, revealing one twist after another, each more somber yet strangely delightful than the previous.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Men's Royal Rumble There are very few times that an ending shocks and delights me in pro wrestling.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
2 Feb. 2025
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The sweet gesture delighted thousands of people who watched the video.—
Brooke Baitinger,
Sacramento Bee,
31 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near captivate
Cite this Entry
“Captivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivate. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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