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
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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
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Very appealing, nicely balanced with notable typicity, appealing grassy notes and almost no bitterness in the finish; beautifully balanced.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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No, there are no rhythmic waves to watch, but the light reflecting off the water, the passing boats, and the occasional wildlife sighting are just as appealing.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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The charismatic truant has since become an archetype of 1980s cool.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
6 June 2025
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By contrast, Arafat was charismatic, his face and persona having come to represent the Palestinian movement.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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For starters, native plants are more attractive to pollinators, but they're also perfectly adapted to local growing conditions and will return year after year with minimal fuss.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 June 2025
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Showcasing this kind of innovation made the company more attractive to creative and tech-savvy talent.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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Yet each performance feels angled at a slightly different degree, one distinct acting turn making all the difference between a charming scoundrel, a depressed artist, a loyal sidekick, an aloof intellectual, or a precocious kid.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
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Add a charming upgrade to wraparound porches with a rocking chair that has a roomy seat and requires minimal upkeep. Bay Isle Home Dawn 2-Person Patio Conversation Set, $213 (orig.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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Happily, the band’s lineup has remained intact except for one member, and its sublime blend of bluegrass, folk and country is as enchanting as ever.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
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The interiors are equally enchanting, with a spacious floorpan that makes this rental especially ideal for families.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
17 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
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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
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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
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Going even further, its materiality, terra-cotta, and its iconography, the corazón, seduce us to discover an even more seductive identity, a cultural and historical foundation, mexicanidad.—
Benjamin H. D. Buchloh,
Artforum,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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