captivated 1 of 2

Definition of captivatednext

captivated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of captivate

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 captivated
Adjective
Newspapers seized on the phrase as readers became captivated by the mystery. Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025 Soon, DiRusso had a devoted, captivated audience built almost entirely online who saw her music as a joyous and off-kilter mirror to their own lives. Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025
Verb
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 With the precision of a great documentarian and the pace of an expert thriller director, Howard mounts an enviably well-rounded procedural dramatization of a story that captivated headlines in 2018. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivated
Adjective
  • In Uptown Girls, Molly (Murphy) lives a charmed life as the daughter of a deceased rockstar who left her everything, until her greedy wealth manager skips town with all her money.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026
  • In the process, what long seemed like an angel on their shoulder — the charmed Chiefs — morphed into their nemesis.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • His life’s tapestry reflected a unique business, American and Jewish journey that fascinated and inspired me.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For the Marc Jacobs show, which is always an NYFW standout, Fox channeled an enchanted doll come to life with a head full of thick, glossy, bouncy curls and lavender-gray makeup to mimic the color of her sheer catsuit and satin bra top.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 10 Feb. 2026
  • There are a ton of family-friendly activities in the village, including sledding, tubing, an enchanted forest, and an ice rink.
    Brent Rose, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • While the Super Bowl ad is for Cadillac F1, Apple is poised to be just as big a beneficiary, if viewers are enticed to check it out.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Feb. 2026
  • That was the appetizer, as a year later, in 2022, Pitaro enticed Joe Buck and Troy Aikman from Fox — arguably the top NFL combo on air — on a pair of five-year deals for $75 million and $90 million, respectively.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Pictures of birthday cakes, hospital visits, church functions, and target practice sessions sit beside snaps of a levitating water can, a flying briefcase, or an entranced friend.
    Shannon Taggart, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Here, the joyous and the boisterous contrast the dark and insidious, allowing viewers to both be delighted by colorful street scenes and celebrations while the rot of fear creeps in, as the details surrounding our main character (Wagner Moura) and his predicament are revealed.
    Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Twyla Tharp’s ballet Push Comes to Shove, which premiered in 1976, startled and delighted audiences with its coy, self-referential humor, and its flirtation with popular dance styles such as jazz and tango.
    Sara Krolewski, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The kind of public living room, knitted into the social fabric of Powell’s native Dublin, that so bewitched Mester during their transatlantic courtship.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Surprise, surprise: judging by the bewitched look on her face, Zelma is no more immune to the allure of Anthony Ramos than any of us.
    Stacia Brown, Vulture, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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