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Showing results for mesmerizing. Search instead for Mercerizing.
Definitions

mesmerizing

[mez-muh-rahy-zing, mes-] / ˈmɛz məˌraɪ zɪŋ, ˈmɛs- /
ADJECTIVE
charismatic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appealing
WEAK
alluring charming hypnotic larger than life magnetic poised
ADJECTIVE
hypnotic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
soothing
STRONG
anesthetic anodyne lenitive narcotic opiate soporific
WEAK
calmative mesmeric sleepy somniferous somnolent soporose trance-inducing
Antonyms
WEAK
exciting exhilarating inciteful inspiring stimulating
ADJECTIVE
magnetic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hypnotic irresistible seductive
WEAK
alluring appealing arresting bewitching captivating charismatic charming enchanting entrancing fascinating inviting pulling
Antonyms
WEAK
repellent repulsive
ADJECTIVE
riveting
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absorbing captivating compelling enchanting engaging engrossing enthralling enticing intriguing spellbinding
STRONG
alluring appealing bewitching seducing
WEAK
hypnotic irresistible magnetic seductive
Antonyms
STRONGEST
boring repellent repulsive
ADJECTIVE
soporific
Synonyms
STRONG
anesthetic calming deadening hypnotic narcotic opiate sedative
WEAK
balmy dozy drowsy dull nodding numbing quietening slumberous snoozy somniferous somnolent soothing tranquilizing
Antonyms
STRONG
upsetting
WEAK
awake conscious exciting invigorating stimulating
NOUN
somnifacient
Synonyms
WEAK
anesthetic balmy calming deadening dozy drowsy dull hypnotic narcotic nodding numbing opiate quietening sedative slumberous snoozy somniferous somnolent soothing tranquilizing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for mesmerizing?
Mesmerizing is used to describe someone or something that captures your complete attention. It’s an adjective form of the verb mesmerize, which, in its literal sense, means “to hypnotize” or, more figuratively, “to spellbind” or “to fascinate.” Synonyms of mesmerizing include forms of these words. Hypnotic, hypnotizing, spellbinding, bewitching, enthralling, and transfixing all suggest a trancelike state or an element of a magic (though often a figurative one). Fascinating, captivating, engrossing, and magnetic all describe someone or something that has captured someone’s attention completely. The word dazzling often means both captivating and impressive.
What is the opposite (antonym) of mesmerising?
People or things that are considered mesmerising are those that capture our attention in an almost hypnotic way. Those that are considered the opposite are those that push us away—make us not want to be around them or observe them at all. The words repellent and repulsive both imply this by suggesting a strong negative reaction (like the literal and figurative opposite of magnetic). Sometimes, though, the opposite of something that’s mesmerizing is something that’s just boring or uninteresting.
How do you use mesmerizing in a sentence?
Mesmerizing can be used to describe anything that captures your attention—including people and things. Here are some examples of mesmerizing in a sentence:
  • The film is mesmerizing—I found myself completely under its spell from start to finish.
  • He is a mesmerizing speaker known for captivating his audiences. 
  • There are few things as mesmerizing as a flock of starlings dazzling you with its unpredictable, undulating movements.

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.

Three original songs and a mesmerizing live performance from Lady Gaga!

From Salon • May 1, 2026

That such a seemingly commonplace location is elevated to feel mesmerizing speaks to how animation can make the mundane anew.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

The device adds another layer of intrigue to a mesmerizing and often heartbreaking story.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

In a similar vein to the 1992 Olympics' mesmerizing "Dream Team" of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, the 75-year-old All-Star Game has historically helped popularize the NBA worldwide.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

As he moved onto my other hand, either not caring what the other boys might think or just entirely oblivious to it, he continued talking to me in that mesmerizing lilt of his.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

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