CAPTIVATION Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

captivation

noun

Definition of captivation

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

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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 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

Noun

His screen appeal combines a mix of swagger and self-deprecating, and at times evokes (a taller) Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Can Kushner’s billions of dollars and unlimited access deliver the kind of magnetic appeal that began with the Showtime Lakers in 1979?

— Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of appeal

Noun

The list of 500 schools was compiled by the magazine and data research firm Statista, Schools were given a score based on their student outcomes, learning environment and their attractiveness to students.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
The stakes are high, with victory on the track bringing in prize money and enhancing the team’s attractiveness to sponsors like Petronas and Microsoft.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of attractiveness

Noun

There’s no mistaking the pop sensibilities that made this song cross over for the country star, from the Carpenters-worthy soft-pop charm of that piano intro to the lush orchestration on the bridge.

— Ed Masley, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
From song to screen With her southern twang, witty charm and stunning looks, Parton was a natural in front of the camera.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of charm

Noun

But though these chemicals are linked to mating in animal species, a link between pheromones and romantic attraction hasn’t been established in humans.

— Rachel Hale, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
With seven weekends and multiple attractions to choose from, visitors might want to visit the festival more than once.

— Rashad Alexander August 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of attraction

Noun

That’s the seductiveness of the Reflecting Pool.

— Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 25 June 2026
Their easy, hedonic seductiveness emerges, too, via Yuskavage’s lush, rounded, fleshy brushstrokes (a different sort of stroke material, for the patriarchy or for anyone else), which render everything from boobs to bellies to nipples smooth and swollen, like a succulent fruit fixing to burst.

— Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 23 May 2026

Definition of seductiveness

Noun

The bacon is cooked until deeply caramelized, with crisp, smoky edges surrounding a rich and tender center, then finished with local Arizona honey for a delicate touch of sweetness.

— Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
And for a few minutes in Kyiv, cultures, death and geopolitics yielded to the power of sweetness and puppy love, as well as the symbolism of resilience and protection.

— Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of sweetness

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captivating

captivation

captivator

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“Captivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of captivation

noun

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