captivation

noun

Definition of captivationnext
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

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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 captivation The works on display depict his intricate captivation with the relationship between humankind and nature. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 Ultimately, Fonda opened up to dating Turner, and their relationship became a point of captivation for the media, as the liberal Hollywood star and the conservative, audacious businessman appeared to be total opposites. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 Wembanyama’s captivation with the intricacies of space travel was apparent. — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivation
  1. appeal
  2. attractiveness
  3. fascination
  4. charm
  5. attraction
  6. seductiveness
  7. sweetness
Noun
  • Admittedly, the album’s ’90s sound palette has echoes of millennial nostalgia bait—but then again, when has nostalgia not been part of Hemsworth’s appeal?
    — Mehan Jayasuriya, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The government filed an emergency appeal asking the justices to lift a lower court decision halting construction.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • On the other hand, higher Fed rates typically bolster the attractiveness of dollar assets, exerting depreciation pressure on local currencies.
    — , CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The rankings were based on student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of attractiveness
Noun
  • There's a fascination with his helicopter rides from the Sixers' facility in New Jersey to New York.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The Gibsons were hoping to capitalize on that same fascination.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of fascination
Noun
  • Seeing Turturro back on the streets of New York alongside longtime collaborators adds to the film’s throwback charm.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Each fragrance is available as a $49 eau de parfum; a $25 body, hair and linen mist; a $20 solid fragrance that doubles as a bag charm, and a $10 scented candle.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of charm
Noun
  • As in many of the attractions, he’s based on a real person who experienced certain events.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The oversized drum shade is the main attraction here, giving this floor lamp a little extra presence.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of attraction
Noun
  • So, too, do the antics of his estate manager (a buoyant Sam Adegoke), always concocting money-making schemes, and the wide-eyed adoration of the girl next door (Amelia Mason, deftly balancing naïveté with seductiveness), who wants to save him.
    — Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That’s the seductiveness of the Reflecting Pool.
    — Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 25 June 2026
Definition of seductiveness
Noun
  • The subtle, but unmistakable, undercurrent of apple sweetness struck me as a bit of a magic trick in a bread that, otherwise, to the eye and hand was just a soft white loaf.
    — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This mashup of banana bread and banana cream pie gets extra sweetness from vanilla wafer cookies and banana pudding.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweetness

Browse Nearby Words

captivating
captivation
captivator
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Cite this Entry

“Captivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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