spellbinding 1 of 3

spellbinding

2 of 3

noun

spellbinding

3 of 3

verb

present participle of spellbind
as in fascinating
to hold the attention of as if by a spell the tale about pirates and their buried treasure had completely spellbound the children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 spellbinding
Adjective
Check out its first direct image of a gas giant exoplanet as well as a spellbinding view of the Phantom Galaxy. Ashley Strickland and Katie Hunt, CNN, 3 Sep. 2022 This easy pullout on the Kancamagus Highway brings motorists face-to-face with a spellbinding view of the White Mountains that stretches on for miles. Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 10 Jan. 2022 The most spellbinding moment of the night came afterward, as the crew switched out James Krivchenia’s kick drum. Justin Curto, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2021 Though the future of Venice is uncertain, the Pearl of the Adriatic remains one of the most spellbinding and iconic destinations in Europe. Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2020 See All Example Sentences for spellbinding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spellbinding
Adjective
  • Contributions from Young Miko, Cris Mj, Quevedo, and others also make for a riveting listen.
    Griselda Flores, Billboard, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The book is a riveting read for anyone like me who loves classic cars, hot-rod culture and Hollywood lore.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Ultimately, his narcissistic enchantment with his own beauty and lifestyle is marred by one great fear – aging and loss of his youth.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Sometimes Goodman seems a little too audibly aware of the enchantment of her formula.
    Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Come for the lingering glamour shots of Keene and Hyland, resplendent in their 1930s finery, stay for the hypnotic overhead shots of the rocky coast off Gull’s Point.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The short plunges viewers into a hypnotic, psychological clash between light and dark.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But if there is some kind of bewitchment going on in these encounters, Evelyn is entirely immune.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 19 Jan. 2025
  • But if there is some kind of bewitchment going on in these encounters, Evelyn is entirely immune.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The title novel, Stag Dance, is an engrossing historical tale about turn-of-the-century lumberjacks who hold an annual dance where some of the men choose to attend as women.
    Vulture Editors, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025
  • When all is said and done, Chappie ends up being another Jupiter Ascending — a movie that's more engrossing to talk about than watch from beginning to end.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • At the club, time allows automatisms and structure to become habit.
    Philipp Lahm, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Their players look connected, know where each other are and play with fluidity and automatism.
    Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Elsewhere in the interview, the Australian actress revealed that the movie — in which Kidman plays a woman having an affair with a younger man — was thrilling for her.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
  • With such fine margins at play, a thrilling title race is effectively guaranteed.
    Neel Shelat, Forbes, 1 Jan. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Spellbinding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spellbinding. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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