riveting

adjective

riv·​et·​ing ˈri-və-tiŋ How to pronounce riveting (audio)
Synonyms of rivetingnext
: 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.
Now, three books in, Rainey remains my alter ego, a riveting car-crash girl who keeps me up thinking at night. Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026 In essence, Bright Lights, Big City, instead of being emotionally provoking and riveting, is distressingly gray and tedious, enlivened only by Fox’s gifted histrionics. Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026 With deftly nuanced performances and atmospheric cinematography, this riveting drama unfolds as a story of innocence lost when young Maria’s sister goes missing without a trace. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026 Valbuena won her share of big games last season in leading the Vikings to a CIF-SS championship but the senior found plenty of excitement in a riveting 2-1 victory at Los Alamitos on Saturday in the Sunset League. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riveting. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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