captivating
adjective
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
Howard SeftelBooks with captivating stories and bright, uncomplicated artwork will enchant the very young without being too demanding.—Ed Zotti
Ed ZottiA 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
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
Mimi Elder
Synonyms
Examples of captivating in a Sentence
a captivating performance by the young singing sensation
Recent Examples on the Web
Stout's adeptness at capturing the urban experience resonates universally, providing a captivating window into the intricacies of modern life.
—Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024
At the heart of Born in Roma Green Stravaganza lies a captivating blend of fresh, green notes, reminiscent of a lush Italian garden in full bloom.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 May 2024
Presto, you’re engulfed in a captivating panorama that simultaneously compels you to ponder the past and wander to the future.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 10 May 2024
Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto featured Portuguese soloist Maria Joao Pires, a captivating, ethereal pianist.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2024
On Sunday, May 5, the judges opened up to PEOPLE in a group interview after the live show and raved about Carter's captivating performance on the singing competition show.
—Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 6 May 2024
The captivating recount kicked off April 15 — more than a week after Low and Simitian tied behind former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.
—Harriet Blair Rowan, The Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2024
Limited to 999 pieces, the highly functional and captivating traveler’s timepiece features a 43 mm rose-gold case and a domed crystal with a lacquered blue dial underneath.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2024
The oceanside five-bedroom, eight-bathroom home — which is listed for $19.95 million — offers captivating views of the Pacific and more.
—Tj MacIas, Sacramento Bee, 26 Apr. 2024
Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024
At the heart of Born in Roma Green Stravaganza lies a captivating blend of fresh, green notes, reminiscent of a lush Italian garden in full bloom.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 May 2024
Presto, you’re engulfed in a captivating panorama that simultaneously compels you to ponder the past and wander to the future.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 10 May 2024
Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto featured Portuguese soloist Maria Joao Pires, a captivating, ethereal pianist.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2024
On Sunday, May 5, the judges opened up to PEOPLE in a group interview after the live show and raved about Carter's captivating performance on the singing competition show.
—Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 6 May 2024
The captivating recount kicked off April 15 — more than a week after Low and Simitian tied behind former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.
—Harriet Blair Rowan, The Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2024
Limited to 999 pieces, the highly functional and captivating traveler’s timepiece features a 43 mm rose-gold case and a domed crystal with a lacquered blue dial underneath.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2024
The oceanside five-bedroom, eight-bathroom home — which is listed for $19.95 million — offers captivating views of the Pacific and more.
—Tj MacIas, Sacramento Bee, 26 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'captivating.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near captivating
Cite this Entry
“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/captivating. Accessed 14 May. 2024.
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