rivetingriv‧et‧ing /ˈrɪvətɪŋ/ adjective 
Examples
a riveting performance His story makes riveting listening.► see thesaurus at interesting
ExamplesEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
Thesaurus- Kevin Bacon gives a riveting performance as O'Keefe.
- Even during recent years of poor health, his outstanding qualities were riveting charm and mental vitality.
- Even the most gifted editor would have problems turning much of the obligatory information into riveting reading.
- In the first place they were presented with a riveting demonstration of what a genuinely free press is capable of.
- Jenny's story would probably turn out to be more riveting than anything in a woman's picture paper.
- Only once before has this riveting axis started a game and the first-half goal rush was an event waiting to happen.
- Perhaps you'd rather stay here and read your riveting book.
- This is a riveting but by no means an easy book to read.
- Though it's hardly the most riveting of his works.
THESAURUS► interesting
something that is riveting is so interesting or exciting that you cannot stop watching it or listening to it SYN fascinating: keeping your attention and making you want to know more: · There’s an interesting article in the newspaper today.· The lecture was really interesting.
► fascinating very interesting: · a fascinating subject· Everything about ancient Egypt is absolutely fascinating.
► stimulating giving you new ideas or experiences in a way that is interesting and enjoyable: · a stimulating conversation· I found him very stimulating to be with and full of ideas.
► intriguing interesting because of being unusual, mysterious, or unexpected, so that you want to find out more: · Their research has produced some intriguing results.· These discoveries raise intriguing questions about the relationship between viral genes and the normal genes of the cell.
► absorbing/engrossing interesting in a way that keeps your attention completely or for a long time: · Growing your own vegetables can be an absorbing hobby.· her engrossing first novel
► gripping/riveting/compelling used about a very interesting story, film etc that you feel you must keep reading or watching: · a gripping story of love and death· He gives a riveting performance as a tough street cop.· There is something compelling about his work.
► enthralling very interesting and exciting – used especially about a performance you are watching or listening to: · Pakistan won an enthralling match by two wickets.
► spellbinding very interesting because of being so strange, unusual, or wonderful: · The book is a spellbinding tale of her life in China.
► I couldn’t put it down spoken used when saying that a book was so interesting that you could not stop reading it: · It’s a great book – I found that I couldn’t put it down.
Longman Language Activatorso interesting that you cannot stop watching, reading etc► riveting/gripping a film, book etc that is riveting or gripping is so interesting or exciting that you do not want to stop watching it, reading it etc: · The novel is absolutely riveting from start to finish.· The story is a riveting one about two children who find an adventure game which becomes real as they are playing it.· Hitchcock's film "The Birds' is a brilliant psychological thriller with a gripping climax.· The play is never quite interesting or gripping enough in the right places despite the considerable efforts of the actors.
► I couldn't put it down spoken say this about a book that was so enjoyable that you did not want to stop reading it: · What an amazing book! I just couldn't put it down.
► compelling written a film, book etc that is compelling is so interesting that you feel you must keep watching or reading it: · The film was so compelling I could scarcely take my eyes off the screen for a second.· Orwell's 'Burmese Days' is a compelling account of life under British Colonial rule.
► engrossing something that is engrossing , such as a book or your work, is so interesting that you do not notice anything that is happening around you: · In his latest novel, Martin Amis gives us an engrossing tale of human trauma.· The daydream was so engrossing that she almost failed to notice Peter waving to her from the other side of the road.
► mesmerizing/enthralling a story, film, game etc that is mesmerizing or enthralling is very interesting and exciting, so that you give all your attention to it: · The band incorporates Spanish, Latin American and Middle Eastern influences into a powerful, mesmerizing mix.· Visitors to the show will find it an enthralling experience.· Sergei Rebrov scored the goal that finally ended an enthralling match.
► spellbinding a story, film, piece of music etc that is spellbinding is so original or interesting that you are unable to think about anything else while you are reading it, watching it etc: · One of the President's most spellbinding TV performances came on 27 July.· What she reveals in this novel is a spellbinding tale of her life in China.
► page-turner a book whose story is so interesting that you do not want to stop reading it and are very eager to find out what happens next: · Stephen King's latest novel promises to be another page-turner.
a riveting performance His story makes riveting listening.► see thesaurus at interesting