riveting

adjective

riv·​et·​ing ˈri-və-tiŋ How to pronounce riveting (audio)
: having the power to fix the attention : engrossing, fascinating
a riveting story
rivetingly adverb

Examples of riveting in a Sentence

a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The movie is a real-world thriller that’s also a riveting character study that’s also a portrait of the place where the reactionary politics of today curdles into obsession. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 July 2025 Like the rest of the hotel, the 179 rooms eschew boring and beige in favor of riveting and red. Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 Swaggart, who died Tuesday morning at age 90, was a riveting and dramatic preacher, said Randall Balmer, a professor of religion at Dartmouth College, a private university in Hanover, New Hampshire. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 2 July 2025 Both encounters precise use of parries, dodging, and strategic stamina management to overcome the enemy, and were easily the most riveting parts of the overall preview. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for riveting

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of riveting was in 1677

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riveting. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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