as in appealing
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract
a captivating performance by the young singing sensation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of captivating
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
There are people like that out there, and their stories that are very captivating, but this is actually a little bit creepier to me.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025
Jessica Hullinger, theweek, 27 Nov. 2024
As the star of Prime Video’s captivating new series, the actress explains how authenticity drives the show’s success.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 27 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
Grand Tour is a little like these men and their machine: a deliberately ramshackle work made more captivating through its lack of conventional modes of propulsion and meaning.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
There are people like that out there, and their stories that are very captivating, but this is actually a little bit creepier to me.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
The rest of the weekend did not disappoint with captivating talks about the hunt for Earth's twin planet and how artificial intelligence is transforming astrophysics for the better.
—Jessica Hullinger, theweek, 27 Nov. 2024
As the star of Prime Video’s captivating new series, the actress explains how authenticity drives the show’s success.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 27 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
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Vara is an appealing narrator—smart, funny, honest, and a little neurotic.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
9 Apr. 2025
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Preserve & Grow Wealth with Risk-Focused Quality Portfolios For investors who want to pair defensive strategy with appealing returns, AEP is a smart choice.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Stuart’s prince is suave, worldly, world-weary, charismatic — every inch a prince, really.—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
7 Apr. 2025
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Unlike Frank Langella’s equal parts measured and menacing Paley of the film, Gross’ Paley is a more charismatic, engaging force that plays well to the back row.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Understanding the critical nature of some of these components, the Federal Government has been enticing companies to bring more manufacturing home.—
Steven Dudash,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
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This lure dangles just above its gaping jaws, enticing prey close enough to be devoured.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, while sizable, have never had an NBA team and are likely less attractive options compared to San Diego.—
Giovanni Malloy,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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There is this idea that top managers would like the job because there is so much talent, plus the style and brand of football are very attractive.—
The Totally Football Show,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The features that stood out to us most are the tiny home’s plethora of charming details.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
1 Apr. 2025
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Set up a pretty picnic, complete with cozy cushions, charming flatware and lots of great food.—
Maggie Griswold,
StyleCaster,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Long live the Eras Tour with our enchanting book Saunders' widest reach may have come through Eras Tour, but his entertainment resume extends beyond the record-breaking show.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
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Oliveira remembers the family’s chauffeur: recalling an enchanting ride home late at night, the filmmaker gets the twenty-first-century Porto to stand in, through the windows of an antique car, for the city of his youth.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2025
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While Colorado itself hasn't had significant success, Deion has at least produced some fascinating NFL prospects.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Then on April 6, Venus will meet with Mars in a seductive trine, heightening your sensuality and receptivity with those around you.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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The book revealed the emotional wreckage that lay just beneath the seductive, glittering surface of a certain sector of France’s progressive cultural élite.—
Leslie Camhi,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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