captivating

adjective

cap·​ti·​vat·​ing ˈkap-tə-ˌvā-tiŋ How to pronounce captivating (audio)
: 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

Examples of captivating in a Sentence

a captivating performance by the young singing sensation
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As the captivating central family mystery is slowly illuminated, Choi’s prose shines with poetry and intelligence. Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 2 June 2025 But the Baroque palace’s own story is even more captivating than any fictional account, as Remy Renzullo, the young American interior designer currently working on the still-private residence’s update, can attest. Sarah Archer, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2025 Italy’s Lake Como and Portofino destinations are home to some of the most captivating Mediterranean estates, including George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra and Richard Branson’s Villa La Cassinella. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 14 May 2025 He is celebrated for his chillingly intelligent and captivating promos, his masterful understanding of ring psychology, and for innovating the iconic DDT finishing maneuver. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for captivating

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of captivating was in 1675

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Cite this Entry

“Captivating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/captivating. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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