Definitions

captivate

[kap-tuh-veyt] / ˈkæp təˌveɪt /

VERB

attract, enchant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

beguile bewitch charm dazzle delight enrapture entertain enthrall fascinate gratify grip hypnotize infatuate intrigue mesmerize please seduce

STRONG

allure draw enamour enslave ensnare entrance hold hook lure magnetize spellbind take vamp win

WEAK

make a hit with rope in sweep off one's feet turn on wile

Antonyms

STRONGEST

annoy bore depress disappoint disenchant disgust displease disturb offend refuse repel tire turn off upset

STRONG

dissuade free let go liberate reject release repulse stop

WEAK

disillusion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Marked by its stark staging and ritualistic intensity, the work remains one of the most enduring interpretations of Ravel's best-known work and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

There were TVs all over the place, playing whatever advocates could think of to try to captivate the attention of these kids.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

The two had proved again that they can captivate sports fans.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2025

For the past six years, Dimon and his top executives have tried to design an office building that will captivate and entice their staff.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

She strung humorous stories along the road like a bright wash and tried to captivate us.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Vocabulary lists containing captivate

The Diary of a Young Girl

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The Invention of Hugo Cabret

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The Boy Who Invented TV

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