captivating
Impossible to ignore
Captivating describes something that holds attention completely, as if by a spell.
A captivating story, performance, or smile draws you in and won't let go.
The word suggests enchantment rather than mere interest—you're not just paying attention, you're held there: She gave a captivating account of her travels.
Possessing supernatural power
- mysticalOf hidden spiritual significance
- enchantingDelightfully attractive, spellbinding
- spellbindingCompletely capturing one's attention
- bewitchingPowerfully and mysteriously charming
entrancing · otherworldly · fantastical · wondrous · dreamlike · ethereal · fairy-tale · supernatural
Powerfully attractive, tempting
- beguilingCharmingly deceptive
- enticingPowerfully attractive
- alluringPowerfully appealing
- temptingArousing desire or interest
tantalizing · inviting · sultry · provocative · irresistible · magnetic · appealing · attractive
Inducing trance or slumber
- entrancingDeeply captivating or bewitching
- mesmerizingCompletely capturing one's attention
- transfixingRendering motionless with fascination
- spellbindingCompletely capturing one's attention
mesmeric · lulling · soporific · dreamy · meditative · rhythmic · repetitive · soothing
Holding attention completely
- engrossingCompletely holding one's attention
- grippingHolding attention completely
- rivetingCompletely holding one's attention
- compellingPowerfully engaging or persuasive
enthralling · immersive · engaging · fascinating · intriguing · consuming · unputdownable · thought-provoking
Arousing fondness or affection
- winsomeSweetly charming
- delightfulHighly pleasing, wonderful
- charmingPleasantly attractive in manner
- sweetTasting of sugar
adorable · lovely · appealing · pleasing · engaging · warm · gracious · likable
Noticeably impressive
- vividIntensely clear and bright
- dramaticStrikingly expressive or sudden
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
- dazzlingOverwhelmingly bright or impressive
arresting · eye-catching · brilliant · remarkable · impressive · spectacular · breathtaking · magnificent
magical
Possessing supernatural power
- mysticalOf hidden spiritual significance
- enchantingDelightfully attractive, spellbinding
- spellbindingCompletely capturing one's attention
bewitching · entrancing · otherworldly · fantastical · wondrous · dreamlike · ethereal · fairy-tale · supernatural · mythical
seductive
Powerfully attractive, tempting
tempting · tantalizing · inviting · sultry · provocative · irresistible · magnetic · appealing · attractive · desirable
hypnotic
Inducing trance or slumber
- entrancingDeeply captivating or bewitching
- mesmerizingCompletely capturing one's attention
- transfixingRendering motionless with fascination
spellbinding · mesmeric · lulling · soporific · dreamy · meditative · rhythmic · repetitive · soothing · kaleidoscopic
absorbing
Holding attention completely
- engrossingCompletely holding one's attention
- grippingHolding attention completely
- rivetingCompletely holding one's attention
compelling · enthralling · immersive · engaging · fascinating · intriguing · consuming · unputdownable · thought-provoking · stimulating
endearing
Arousing fondness or affection
- winsomeSweetly charming
- delightfulHighly pleasing, wonderful
- charmingPleasantly attractive in manner
sweet · adorable · lovely · appealing · pleasing · engaging · warm · gracious · likable · amiable
striking
Noticeably impressive
- vividIntensely clear and bright
- dramaticStrikingly expressive or sudden
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
dazzling · arresting · eye-catching · brilliant · remarkable · impressive · spectacular · breathtaking · magnificent · splendid
- attentionattention, focus, focused, attentiveness, focused attention
- eye-catchingstriking, conspicuous, noticeable, prominent, eye-catching
- adjectivesbig, urgent, amazing, temporary, bold
- attractiveattractive, beautiful, gorgeous, pretty, handsome
- captivatingfascinating, compelling, mesmerizing, hypnotic, enchanting
- emotional reactionsinspiring, moving, touching, heartwarming, chilling
captivatingboring
Failing to engage interest
dull · tedious · uninteresting · monotonous · dreary