CAPTIVATING Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

captivating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkap-tə-ˌvā-tiŋ

Definition of captivating

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

captivating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of captivate

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

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 captivating

Adjective

The story takes place around the Club Rumba Royale, where white Europeans and Congolese citizens rub shoulders, and where the captivating melodies of rumba merge with aspirations and fiery debates of independence. — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 Han’s Sang-mi is a similarly captivating presence onscreen, a bundle of nervous energy on the brink of exploding, captured brilliantly by one of Korea’s most consistently versatile emerging talents. — James Marsh, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026

Verb

This time the central crime revolves around a severed finger that is sent to the high school, and a mysterious — potentially nefarious — new teacher captivating their children. — Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 Get the latest news, exclusive reveals, announcements, and behind-the-scenes insight into the stories and characters captivating readers across the Absolute line. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivating

Adjective

Now in its third modern iteration, the Carrera T occupies a uniquely appealing space within the 911 family.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Users do complain that bet365 is not the most visually appealing app and has too much text on the screen.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of appealing

Verb

From bizarre medical tests to a mass phobia of beans, here are 14 surprising facts that reveal just how inventive, eccentric, and fascinating the ancient Greeks really were.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
The trailer promises fascinating new characters, like one man who lives on a sailboat for most of the year.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascinating

Adjective

In the first, a best-selling mystery author dies, and Benoit Blanc, a charismatic and inquisitive private eye played by Daniel Craig, must investigate.

— New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
But the appointment of the 69-year-old Tagle, a charismatic figure previously tipped as a possible pope, was an important piece of housekeeping.

— Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of charismatic

Verb

Caruso has been charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse inflicting mental injury.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
In essence, disruptor brands give athletes only-child treatment, which is enticing in a crowded market.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of enticing

Adjective

Cam, Aneha, Malaine Once again, a rizzless man is empowered to choose between two attractive women.

— Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
The recent volatility in the equity markets has created some potentially attractive opportunities for investors willing to look past near-term choppiness.

— Nick Wells, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of attractive

Verb

Even the Owens family’s enchanting New England home, which the internet has spent nearly three decades foaming at the mouth over, is barely seen, as much of the film takes place overseas.

— Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2026
Practical Magic 2 has Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman enchanting a new generation of fans, but not everyone from the original cast returned for the sequel.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of enchanting

Adjective

While renting a charming Mediterranean Revival-style villa in the Hollywood Hills, the FBI tapped her phone lines and the CIA covertly intercepted and opened her mail.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
The author behind the singular Elizabeth Zott returns with ‘Peck & Peck,’ a sharp, charming satire on the pretensions and perils of literary gatekeepers.

— Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of charming

Adjective

The shoes appeared similar to the popular DSquared 2 Riri heeled sandals, which are also a sleek, seductive and rebellious style with towering heels and straps that wrap around the foot and ankle with super-thin leather ties.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Andy Warhol, working from a photograph that had appeared in a pinup magazine featuring Mat Queens, created a silk screen of Drexler as Rosa, mid-lunge, at once menacing and seductive.

— Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of seductive

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captivates

captivating

captivation

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“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivating. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of captivating

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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