captivate 1 of 2

verb

ˈkap-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce captivate (audio)
Definition of captivatenext
as in to fascinate
to attract or delight as if by magic the clown captivated the toddlers with his balloon tricks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

captivation

2 of 2

noun

as in appeal
the power of irresistible attraction by some mysterious method of captivation, the therapist is able to evoke a response from even the shiest of children

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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
Verb
Sure, there are several social butterflies across the zodiac—Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius, to name a few—but Geminis are famous for their magnetic eccentricity which captivates just about anyone in their orbit. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 21 May 2026 This is not the first time Stephen has complimented his captivating wife. —Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 21 May 2026
Noun
Ultimately, Fonda opened up to dating Turner, and their relationship became a point of captivation for the media, as the liberal Hollywood star and the conservative, audacious businessman appeared to be total opposites. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 Wembanyama’s captivation with the intricacies of space travel was apparent. —Jared Weiss, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for captivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivate
  1. fascinate
  2. appeal
  3. entice
  4. attractiveness
  5. charm
  6. fascination
  7. delight
  8. attraction
Verb
  • Within the hobby, what has really fascinated me is the arms race on social media between all the various strap companies, all desperately racing to be first to market with conversion kits to turn these AP Swatches into wearable wristwatches.
    — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 20 May 2026
  • She is fascinated by the interrelation of sound and fragrance when co-diffused — or broadcast — through space.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
Definition of fascinate
Noun
  • Still, very few modern pop stars are doing what Mars is doing in making seemingly timeless music with such broad appeal.
    — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 14 May 2026
  • While clinics in Seoul and Dubai emphasize injectables and skin treatments, retreats like The Ranch appeal to celebrities who want a fuller reset — combining exercise, nutrition and recovery in a setting designed to feel removed from daily life.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
Definition of appeal
Verb
  • Lifting the interest rates paid for deposits that banks park at the Fed would entice lenders to divert dollars from checking and savings accounts to the Central Bank, curbing the loan portfolios that fuel expenditures across the economy.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 May 2026
  • But to get there, Kalshi and Polymarket need to entice market-makers like Citadel Securities and Jane Street to take the other side of whatever bet these platforms’ vibe-surfing users want to make.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 19 May 2026
Definition of entice
Noun
  • Looksmaxxers tend to believe that attractiveness can be scientifically measured, citing numbers and inspecting facial symmetry, completely ignoring cultural context, personal preferences and charisma.
    — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • Even seemingly benign alterations for aesthetic reasons are prohibited, such as removing the photojournalist’s own shadow or evidence of their camera equipment, removing an unsightly wire or fencepost, or airbrushing someone’s facial features to increase attractiveness.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
Definition of attractiveness
Verb
  • Still, there’s something that feels small about this particular story, charming enough in the moment and almost instantly forgettable the moment the credits roll.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 19 May 2026
  • The collection includes a large and carry-on size roller, along with luggage covers, a cooler tote, travel tote, shopping totes, and playful accessories including a soda can charm and more.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
Definition of charm
Noun
  • As public fascination with the case has intensified online, so too has criticism over the pace of the investigation.
    — Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
  • And his fascination with Xi hasn’t ebbed.
    — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
Definition of fascination
Verb
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
  • Good times with children will delight you.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
Definition of delight
Noun
  • But in hiring the three-time Stanley Cup winner, the Ducks earned credibility in terms of coaching acumen and became an attraction for players.
    — Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • It is housed in the same building as the attraction’s affiliate, The Escape Game, which opened in 2015 and took hold in the world of escape rooms.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Definition of attraction

Browse Nearby Words

captiousness
captivate
captivated
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Cite this Entry

“Captivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivate. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on captivate

Nglish: Translation of captivate for Spanish Speakers

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