as in to fascinate
to attract or delight as if by magic
the clown captivated the toddlers with his balloon tricks
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of captivate
Defying the restrictions placed on women of her era, Umm Kulthum first performed disguised as a boy before rising to dominate the stages of Cairo and captivate audiences across the globe.
—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
30 June 2026
There are captivating lakes aplenty, in particular Como and Garda, and the Dolomites for mountain lovers adventuring with their offspring.
—
Kathryn Romeyn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 June 2026
This Shady Canyon Golf Club is one of Orange County‘s most exclusive enclaves with captivating rock formations and lush fairways spread across 300 acres in a secluded canyon setting.
—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
29 June 2026
The Studio Ghibli film, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, stands in contrast to the Disney princess movies that captivated my fellow preschoolers in the mid-’90s.
—
Stephanie Bai,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
30 June 2026
There are captivating lakes aplenty, in particular Como and Garda, and the Dolomites for mountain lovers adventuring with their offspring.
—
Kathryn Romeyn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 June 2026
This Shady Canyon Golf Club is one of Orange County‘s most exclusive enclaves with captivating rock formations and lush fairways spread across 300 acres in a secluded canyon setting.
—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
29 June 2026
The Studio Ghibli film, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, stands in contrast to the Disney princess movies that captivated my fellow preschoolers in the mid-’90s.
—
Stephanie Bai,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivate
Verb
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The Vesuvius disaster and its immense human toll continue to fascinate historians and the public millennia later.
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Denby, as a critic, was fascinated by the great dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, as much for his expressions as for his torso, arms, or legs.
Verb
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Some supplements and chews are offered in different flavors to better entice your dog.
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That subscription data, entertainment, and safety service offers complementary base services, but owners are enticed to upgrade for premium services.
Verb
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Folks loved her food and were charmed by her cheerful nature.
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After Scotland’s beer-guzzling fans charmed locals in Boston, the Tartan Army’s party has decamped to the heat of Miami for a clash with five-time champion Brazil.
Verb
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This lighthearted cameo delighted longtime fans and underscored that, while the late-night institution has closed, Colbert himself isn't disappearing from the spotlight anytime soon.
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On the final day of Pride Month, here’s one final bonkers gay story to delight and amaze you.
Verb
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That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.
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The writer thinks that the person seducing the main character is just some flotsam, hardly worth a second look.
Cite this Entry
“Captivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivate. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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