as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest
a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in focusing
to fix (as one's attention) steadily toward a central objective
everyone riveted their eyes on the trick that the magician was performing on stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of riveting
Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2024
Instead, thanks to a dazzling cast of young actors, Aaron Sorkin’s trademark rapid-fire dialogue and director David Fincher’s skill in pacing and scene creation, The Social Network becomes a riveting examination of modern-day American business and capitalism.
—Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
There are riveting narrative features by Patrick Radden Keefe, Rachel Aviv, and Eren Orbey.
—Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2024
The performances by Kim Tae-ri and Jung Eun-chae are riveting.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for riveting 
Adjective
Courage Under Fire’s Rashomon-like investigation and gender politics aren’t particularly riveting, but Washington’s steady righteousness is nicely undercut by the character’s inability to forgive himself for his own sins.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2024
Instead, thanks to a dazzling cast of young actors, Aaron Sorkin’s trademark rapid-fire dialogue and director David Fincher’s skill in pacing and scene creation, The Social Network becomes a riveting examination of modern-day American business and capitalism.
—Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
There are riveting narrative features by Patrick Radden Keefe, Rachel Aviv, and Eren Orbey.
—Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2024
The performances by Kim Tae-ri and Jung Eun-chae are riveting.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for riveting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riveting
Adjective
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However, the puzzles are rarely straightforward, using homophones and wordplay, among other techniques, to keep things interesting.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
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Storks Are Fascinating Beyond Their Brood Reducing Ways Despite their ruthless parenting, storks are fascinating creatures with other interesting traits.Scott Travers, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
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By chance, Mellon attended a lecture near his seaside cottage in Guilford, Connecticut, where Fink presented, focusing on the Poughkeepsie Bridge.Zach Everson, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
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According to Lively's complaint, Sony provided talking points for the actors to use during film promotion, including focusing on the resilience of the character played by Lively instead of the theme of domestic violence.Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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This series finale feels like the end of a chapter, but leaves enough intriguing loose ends to keep the possibility of a spin-off alive.Richard Edwards, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2024
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Cody Williams of FanSided recently predicted the Astros would look to sign an intriguing option.Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This led to an explosion of technology development and, with funding concentrating on a smaller number of startups, set the playing field for 2025.Jeff Mahler, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
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Since the trial began, the Amazons have ventured out about three times a week to paste messages on both sides of the ramparts, but mostly concentrating on the intra-muros area near the courthouse.Catherine Porter, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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How the club manages its goaltending split with all of this in mind promises to be fascinating.Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
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Foster called Romney a fascinating character who had power in his voice, and who could fire up his dealers.Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Studies show that consumers are significantly more likely to trust a recommendation from an influencer over a brand ad, as influencers act as relatable, authentic and engaging advocates.Deepak Bansal, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
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Isabelle Phaneuf-Cyr, Rémy Huberdeau, Catherine Legault A luminous and engaging portrait of young non-binary trans photographer Laurence Philomène, one of the most original and inspiring voices of their generation and an LGBTQ+ community icon.Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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This absorbing début story collection is composed of quiet snapshots of life in Kashmir.The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
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The least cynical reality show on television remains as absorbing as ever in Season 4, thanks to the probing questions and insights from the show’s resident therapist, Dr. Orna Guralnik.Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riveting. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
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