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
Greg Evans, Deadline, 7 May 2025
But equally captivating is the Okavango Delta, a vast inland wetland formed where the Okavango River fans out across the Kalahari Desert.
—Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 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
Maybe Happy Ending is the offbeat and captivating story of two outcasts near the end of their warranty who discover that even robots can be swept off their feet.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 7 May 2025
But equally captivating is the Okavango Delta, a vast inland wetland formed where the Okavango River fans out across the Kalahari Desert.
—Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 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
-
When talent is scarce and jobs are widely available, employees can make a wish list while organizations compete for the best candidate with the most appealing perks.—
Lieke ten Brummelhuis,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
If those two subjects are a bit heavy for your summer tastes — the books weigh in at 880 and 1,200 pages, respectively — then another recent release might be more appealing.—
Dan Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
26 May 2025
Adjective
-
During the prayers in the now-viral video, White was speaking in tongues, a practice that is commonly used by charismatic Christians who evoke ecstatic sounds that believers find to be a heavenly language.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
-
The charismatic truant has since become an archetype of 1980s cool.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
6 June 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
-
People in these jobs generally manage the practical logistics of trying to create workplaces that are more welcoming for all employees — and more attractive to a broader pool of qualified candidates.—
Maria Aspan,
NPR,
27 May 2025
-
This off-season, the Parks Department even made an effort to spruce up its lifeguard stations, repainting and adding amenities like fridges and microwaves, to make the job more attractive and comfortable.—
Alyce McFadden,
New York Times,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
Leave behind the city for mountains, refreshing lakes, and charming small towns.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
31 May 2025
-
The epilogue takes the form of an obituary for the magazine’s late founder, but also acts as Anderson’s charming ode to the golden age of longform journalism.—
Shannon Carlin,
Time,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
To them, the big city is as enchanting and mysterious as their father, whose absence in their life has stung both parent and child.—
Thomas Page,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
-
Few other places can feel both enchanting and grounding.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Now in its ninth year, the London Concours has established itself as one of the collector-car scene’s most interesting and accessible automotive exhibitions, with one of the most fascinating venues.—
Ben Oliver,
Robb Report,
4 June 2025
-
On the latter account, Sandy Agustin has created some fascinating transitional interludes that blend volleyball movements with elements of religious ritual.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
Within a few hours of opening, the place is a smash hit—until a trio of vampire hillbilly musicians, led by Jack O’Connell’s scarily seductive Remmick, show up at the door, begging with utmost politeness to be let in.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 June 2025
-
Flavors, although less seductive than aromas, include yellow apples.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share