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

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

Synonyms

• alluring
• appealing
• attractive
• bewitching
• charismatic
• charming
• elfin
• enchanting
• engaging
• entrancing
• fascinating
• fetching
• glamorous
• glamourous
• luring
• magnetic
• seductive

Examples of captivating in a Sentence

a captivating performance by the young singing sensation

Recent Examples on the Web

Skipping Cultural Experiences With so many captivating backdrops for trekking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting, many travelers miss the rich cultural attractions on their way to their next adventure. —Jeaninne Sanz Bernay, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2024

In harmony with the timeless lyrics, the Saudi choir members added a rich layer of depth, creating a captivating conversation that bridged musical geographies. —Billboard Arabia, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2024

But Ni and Zhou bring nuance to the parts and make for a captivating couple. —Stephen Saito, Variety, 16 Sep. 2024

Don’t bury your most captivating information at the midpoint or end of the video. —Sergio Alvarez, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined above