as in appealing
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract
a captivating performance by the young singing sensation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Grace Robins-Somerville, Pitchfork, 27 Jan. 2026
There are countless paths to take in this natural wonderland—each rewarding and captivating in their own way.
—South Seas, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Even as Bankman-Fried was captivating the crypto industry with spiels about his alleged genius, Yan and his team stayed away, preferring to trade on platforms like Coinbase.
—Ben Weiss, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Adjective
Her persona must be distinct and captivating, familiar yet aspirational.
—Grace Robins-Somerville, Pitchfork, 27 Jan. 2026
There are countless paths to take in this natural wonderland—each rewarding and captivating in their own way.
—South Seas, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
The result is a global ranking of the world’s most visually captivating mountain landscapes.
—Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Even as Bankman-Fried was captivating the crypto industry with spiels about his alleged genius, Yan and his team stayed away, preferring to trade on platforms like Coinbase.
—Ben Weiss, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for captivating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating
Adjective
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Serving alcohol at her location for the adult classes would help make the business more appealing to customers, Burton previously told the Naperville Sun.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
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The platform also has become more appealing to a younger female demographic with Taylor Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce, Garcia said.—
Brian Womack,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.—
Glenn Peoples,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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James Van Der Beek, the charismatic actor who starred as the sensitive and insecure Dawson Leery on The WB teen melodrama Dawson’s Creek, lost his battle with colorectal cancer on Wednesday.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
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Rayner is a popular and charismatic Labour Party soldier who was forced to step down from her role at 10 Downing Street in September due to a breach of the ministerial code after underpaying taxes on one of her residential properties.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Part of what makes Joomra Pillow Slippers enticing is their waterproof design.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
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Additional reductions may actually complicate the homebuying process by enticing new buyers to the market and, thus, lead to higher sales prices than what's currently available.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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When cities embed movement into daily life, through accessible parks, clean waterways, shaded paths, and community facilities, sports participation rises, emissions fall, public health costs drop, and communities become more attractive for events and tourism.—
Sebastian Buckup,
Time,
7 Feb. 2026
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Hyacinths with attractive pink, purple or white flowers and a sweet fragrance need more cold than Florida can provide to rebloom.—
Tom Macklin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Tucked at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe’s remarkable high desert landscapes and enchanting golden light feel almost otherworldly.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
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At times, partners may have had a special mystique, enchanting you with their powers that may have sucked you in — for the better — or instead, like an addiction.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The charming boutique hotel opened in 2009, and is home to two beautiful restaurants.—
Rebekah Evans,
TheWeek,
5 Feb. 2026
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Start by checking into the 12-key Washington School House Hotel, a charming boutique property that puts you within walking distance of the best shopping and eating on Main Street.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The traditional French butter cookie gets the chocolate treatment—and only the most intense, seductive chocolate will do.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
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Leather seats and backlit panels complete a seductive setting where intrigue feels inevitable.—
Melinda Joe,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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