cap·ti·vat·ing
ˈkap-tə-ˌvā-tiŋ
: charmingly or irresistibly appealing
a captivating aroma
It's an utterly exotic combination of flavors, and a completely captivating one.—Howard Seftel
Books with captivating stories and bright, uncomplicated artwork will enchant the very young without being too demanding.—Ed Zotti
A captivating storyteller, he conveys the cozy domesticity of the small-time growers as well as the Technicolor style of life of the big deal-makers.—Alison Friesinger
captivatingly
adverb
a captivatingly sweet voice
Each room is named for a month, and January through December are captivatingly filled with fanciful hearts, flowers, and vines that trail over the beds, chests, and wardrobes.
—Mimi Elder
captivating
2 of 2present participle of captivate
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/captivating. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
