as in to fascinate
to attract or delight as if by magic
the clown captivated the toddlers with his balloon tricks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2025
The walls of the cars were covered with ads aimed at captivating a particular kind of person, and everyone on the train had the seed of that particular person somewhere inside themselves.
—Hannah Gold, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
For more than 70 years, the SS United States captivated the hearts and minds of Americans for her distinguished beauty.
—Forrest Brown, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
The film’s captivating narrative, visuals and thematic exploration will surely appeal to audiences worldwide.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Verb
Abboud draws from global influences in her work and elevates timeless style with exquisite materials, vintage lighting, and captivating architectural elements.
—Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2025
The walls of the cars were covered with ads aimed at captivating a particular kind of person, and everyone on the train had the seed of that particular person somewhere inside themselves.
—Hannah Gold, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
For more than 70 years, the SS United States captivated the hearts and minds of Americans for her distinguished beauty.
—Forrest Brown, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
The film’s captivating narrative, visuals and thematic exploration will surely appeal to audiences worldwide.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for captivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivate
Verb
-
In 1956, an aspiring young actor named Gene Hackman joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California, struggling to find a way into a field he’d been fascinated with since childhood.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
-
He has been fascinated by the players’ kits, wondering whether more can be done to optimise comfort and performance.—
Adam Crafton,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Adding to its appeal, wave power is more socially accepted than other renewables due to its minimal aesthetic disruption – at least for us on the ground.—
Elena Bou,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
-
The Russian invasion of Ukraine won Vladimir Putin a certain admiration in countries of the global South, as well as among MAGA Americans, while Joe Biden’s appeals to democratic values seemed pallid and hypocritical.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Trying to keep up with breakneck advances in medical technology and the demands of a public troubled by additives like food dyes, the agency enticed scores of midcareer specialists with remote roles and the chance to make a difference in their fields.—
Christina Jewett,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The Libra moon entices you to entertain fresh options.—
USA TODAY,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Their rites could not be revealed to those outside the cult and were therefore a source of great fascination to the wider populace.—
Barbie Latza Nadeau,
CNN,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Read: Behind the American right’s fascination with Viktor Orbán Putin and Russia always held a special place in Trump world, however.—
Garry Kasparov,
The Atlantic,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Visit during sunrise or sunset for enchanting views of Christoffelberg.—
Curaçao Tourist Board,
AFAR Media,
26 Feb. 2025
-
The competition’s ultimate underdog story belongs to Calais and the team of talented and spirited fourth-tier part-timers who enchanted the whole of France by battling their way to the final in 2000.—
Tom Williams,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Instead, he’s charmed by the place and the people in this airy rom-com directed by Mark Waters.—
The New York Times,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Switch games are rarely the most visually astounding on a technical level, although developers often work near-miracles with smart art direction, crafting worlds full of wonder and charm.—
Matt Kamen,
WIRED,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
There are a few things the team wants to focus on next: continuing to grow the sushi program, along with the omakase experience, and working to make the drinks and bar service more of an attraction on its own accord.—
Sunny Hubler,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Feb. 2025
-
The main attraction will be the Strite Automatic four-slice toaster that an anonymous donor gave to the society in 2011, Peterson said.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Since 1986, Dolores and Lupe Mendez have been delighting South Siders with soul-satisfying breakfast tacos and other early-morning staples like huevos rancheros.—
Edmund Tijerina,
Bon Appétit,
27 Feb. 2025
-
The players’ receptiveness to the nickname delights Liam.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivate. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share