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.

Americans didn’t actually land on the moon last week, despite some congratulations to the contrary, and Artemis II didn’t quite captivate the full attention of a country distracted by global strife and gas pumps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

It may not be for everyone, but dome-based entertainment clearly has the power to captivate some.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

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

She was smart and beautiful, with eyes that could captivate a room, and sweet potato pies that were the best in the county.

From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!