captivate

verb

ˈkap-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce captivate (audio)
Definition of captivatenext
as in to fascinate
to attract or delight as if by magic the clown captivated the toddlers with his balloon tricks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word captivate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of captivate are allure, attract, charm, enchant, and fascinate. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

charmed by their hospitality
her performances captivated audiences

When can allure be used instead of captivate?

In some situations, the words allure and captivate are roughly equivalent. However, allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

When could attract be used to replace captivate?

The meanings of attract and captivate largely overlap; however, attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

When would enchant be a good substitute for captivate?

While in some cases nearly identical to captivate, enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

When might fascinate be a better fit than captivate?

While the synonyms fascinate and captivate are close in meaning, fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

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 Netflix's latest Trainwreck documentary revisits the controversial Balloon Boy saga that captivated the nation. —EW.com, 15 July 2025 Priestley was perfectly cast as Doherty's on-screen twin — the two share the same piercing light eyes and captivating gaze. —Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 13 July 2025 Google searches for beef Wellington recipes have soared in Australia over the last few months, as the trial captivated the country. —David Mac Dougall, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025 This feature-length film places the iconic DC superhero against the backdrop of the captivating history of Mexico and immerses fans around the world in the exciting culture of Mesoamerica. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for captivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivate
  1. fascinate
  2. entice
  3. enchant
  4. charm
  5. delight
  6. seduce
Verb
  • The author's own life story has also fascinated film makers: this year, a new BBC drama called Miss Austen imagined Jane Austen's life, alongside her sister Cassandra.
    — Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 20 July 2025
  • Disney was fascinated with the technology behind robotic puppets that move and talk in a fluid way.
    — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
Definition of fascinate
Verb
  • For six months, President Trump tried to entice Putin to the table.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2025
  • Culinary delight often begins with a visual feast that entices people to indulge in delicious flavors.
    — Molly Peck, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Definition of entice
Verb
  • Over 3,000 Amazon reviewers give this enchanting light setup five stars for its IP65 waterproof rating, radiance, and affordability.
    — Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025
  • Insider tip: Step into a fairytale at 12th-century Thun Castle, then wander Thun’s enchanting Old Town and lakeside Schadau Park—home to a Gothic Revival castle that’s a national treasure.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 18 July 2025
Definition of enchant
Verb
  • In a performance pulsating with a rejuvenated energy, Detroit R&B star Kem charmed a capacity crowd Friday night at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre to open a two-night homecoming stand.
    — Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
  • Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos charm at the New York premiere of Running with the Wolves, which documents their ownership of an Italian soccer club on July 23.
    — Escher Walcott, People.com, 26 July 2025
Definition of charm
Verb
  • Every year, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale delights shoppers with its unbeatable selection of stylish and well-made apparel, and this year is no exception.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2025
  • Haze: Filled with pineapple flavor, this hazy beer delights the senses with vibrant tropical fruit notes from its hop blend and natural pineapple puree.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 18 July 2025
Definition of delight
Verb
  • Split rumors arose when Furlan revealed that she had been seduced by a catfish posing as musician Ronnie Radke.
    — Bailey Richards, People.com, 20 July 2025
  • Instead, Piero and Lara are cautiously trying to seduce one another while protecting themselves from shagging what could be a crazy person.
    — Peter Debruge, Variety, 16 July 2025
Definition of seduce

Browse Nearby Words

captiousness
captivate
captivated
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Cite this Entry

“Captivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of captivate for Spanish Speakers

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