riveting 1 of 2

adjective

ˈri-və-tiŋ How to pronounce riveting (audio)
Definition of rivetingnext
as in interesting
holding the attention or provoking interest a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

riveting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of rivet
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

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 riveting
Adjective
Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, and Chase Infiniti star in one of the most riveting movies of its era. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 19 June 2026 That became clear when the venue hosted a riveting Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal doubleheader that involved the United States and Canada. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
The biggest news going into the second week of this year’s riveting French Open? — Corey Seymour, Vogue, 1 June 2026 Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone wondering how to make each hour in their workday riveting for television viewers. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for riveting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riveting
  1. interesting
  2. focusing
  3. intriguing
  4. concentrating
  5. fascinating
  6. engaging
  7. absorbing
Adjective
  • One interesting trend is that this tournament will feature some very good tight ends, a position that has become increasingly important in college football and the NFL but not so much in high school football in the era of spread offenses.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • But perhaps the most interesting aspect of this news is the potential military applications for this new engine.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
Definition of interesting
Verb
  • Airlines are increasingly focusing on premium passengers, which could lead to higher airfares for all travelers.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Phil Weiser Tom Cooper/Getty Images for SeriesFest For much of the busy primary election, Bennet was seen as a frontrunner, running on his record as a moderate senator and focusing his campaign on affordability.
    — Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of focusing
Adjective
  • This July will include an intriguing mix of madcap comedies, sweeping action epics and independent fare hoping to get as many viewers into theaters — or in front of their televisions — as possible.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 6 July 2026
  • But there are some very intriguing narratives in play after the genre of TV went through a renaissance this year.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 6 July 2026
Definition of intriguing
Verb
  • Instead of concentrating on today's opportunities, your thoughts drift toward tomorrow's possibilities.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Rather than concentrating reserve income with a single issuer, Open USD says partners will be able to mint and redeem tokens at no cost while sharing reserve earnings after a management fee.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Definition of concentrating
Adjective
  • The World Cup offers us a fascinating glimpse at the complexities of national pride and identity.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of fascinating
Adjective
  • Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share ways organizations can make cybersecurity training more engaging so essential security habits are more likely to stick.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Audiences want a quiet, efficient, relaxing, fun, visually engaging, communal experience unavailable at home.
    — Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026
Definition of engaging
Adjective
  • With SoniQ™ Technology, RPG aims to address that concern by integrating sound-absorbing functionality directly into furniture surfaces.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • Dry skin This is a fast-absorbing blend of seed, nut, and flower oils that delivers lightweight hydration and supports the skin barrier.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 25 June 2026
Definition of absorbing

Browse Nearby Words

riveted
riveting
rivets
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Cite this Entry

“Riveting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riveting. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on riveting

Nglish: Translation of riveting for Spanish Speakers

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