CAPTIVATE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'captivate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of captivate are allure , attract , charm , enchant , and fascinate . While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response, but it may, like captivate , suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration. // charmed by their hospitality // her performances captivated audiences

Q: When can 'allure' be used instead of 'captivate'?

In some situations, the words allure and captivate are roughly equivalent. However, allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive. // an alluring smile

Q: When could 'attract' be used to replace 'captivate'?

The meanings of attract and captivate largely overlap; however, attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another. // students attracted by the school's locale

Q: When would 'enchant' be a good substitute for 'captivate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to captivate , enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject. // hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

Q: When might 'fascinate' be a better fit than 'captivate'?

While the synonyms fascinate and captivate are close in meaning, fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist. // a story that continues to fascinate children

captivate

verb

ˈkap-tə-ˌvāt

Definition of captivate next

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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How is the word captivate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of captivate are allure, attract, charm, enchant, and fascinate. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

charmed by their hospitality

her performances captivated audiences

When can allure be used instead of captivate?

In some situations, the words allure and captivate are roughly equivalent. However, allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

When could attract be used to replace captivate?

The meanings of attract and captivate largely overlap; however, attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

When would enchant be a good substitute for captivate?

While in some cases nearly identical to captivate, enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

When might fascinate be a better fit than captivate?

While the synonyms fascinate and captivate are close in meaning, fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of captivate The Dolphins’ approach to building this team in the first year under Sullivan and Halfey will be captivating. —

Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026 Its capacity to deliver one-of-a-kind textiles infused with custom artwork resonates strongly with premium and luxury denim brands, offering a compelling way to captivate customers and transform blue jeans from everyday commodities into runway-worthy statement pieces. —

Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Feb. 2026 Adding even more buzz to the seasonal menu is the debut of the Dubai Chocolate Cake, a limited two-week offering inspired by the viral dessert trend that has captivated chocolate and pistachio lovers alike. —

Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026 The first season captivated audiences worldwide with more than 260 million hours viewed on the streamer in the first four weeks of its premiere. —

Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivate

Verb

This is Taymor’s first production to embark on a national tour, and she’s been fascinated by the range of audience responses.

— Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
From legal aspirations to a life of art As a girl, I was fascinated by color, texture and creative expressions.

— Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 5 Feb. 2026

Definition of fascinate

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captiousness

captivate

captivated

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“Captivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivate. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of captivate

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