spellbinding
adjective
spell·bind·ing ˈspel-ˌbīn-diŋ 
: holding the attention as if by a spell
a spellbinding story
spellbindingly
ˈspel-ˌbīn-diŋ-lē
adverb 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Check out its first direct image of a gas giant exoplanet as well as a spellbinding view of the Phantom Galaxy. 
Ashley Strickland And Katie Hunt, CNN, 3 Sep. 2022 This easy pullout on the Kancamagus Highway brings motorists face-to-face with a spellbinding view of the White Mountains that stretches on for miles. Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 10 Jan. 2022 The most spellbinding moment of the night came afterward, as the crew switched out James Krivchenia’s kick drum. Justin Curto, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2021 Though the future of Venice is uncertain, the Pearl of the Adriatic remains one of the most spellbinding and iconic destinations in Europe. Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2020 Hear these and other French gems along with spellbinding Mazurakas and waltzes by piano royalty, Chopin. SFChronicle.com, 28 Feb. 2020 The Portland International Film Festival, better known as PIFF, has cultivated a reputation for spellbinding cinema, created here in Oregon and around the globe. oregonlive, 25 Feb. 2020 As Héloise and Marianne lock eyes from several feet away, the performance pivots to a spellbinding combination of chanting and clapping. Sonia Rao, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2020 The 2011 romantic comedy, featuring a spellbinding cast, seeks to answer these queries. Jason Herbert, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2019 See More
Ashley Strickland And Katie Hunt, CNN, 3 Sep. 2022 This easy pullout on the Kancamagus Highway brings motorists face-to-face with a spellbinding view of the White Mountains that stretches on for miles. Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 10 Jan. 2022 The most spellbinding moment of the night came afterward, as the crew switched out James Krivchenia’s kick drum. Justin Curto, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2021 Though the future of Venice is uncertain, the Pearl of the Adriatic remains one of the most spellbinding and iconic destinations in Europe. Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2020 Hear these and other French gems along with spellbinding Mazurakas and waltzes by piano royalty, Chopin. SFChronicle.com, 28 Feb. 2020 The Portland International Film Festival, better known as PIFF, has cultivated a reputation for spellbinding cinema, created here in Oregon and around the globe. oregonlive, 25 Feb. 2020 As Héloise and Marianne lock eyes from several feet away, the performance pivots to a spellbinding combination of chanting and clapping. Sonia Rao, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2020 The 2011 romantic comedy, featuring a spellbinding cast, seeks to answer these queries. Jason Herbert, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2019 See More Word History
First Known Use
1827, in the meaning defined above
spellbinding 1 of 3
adjective
as in mesmerizing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- mesmerizing
- riveting
- enthralling
- engrossing
- hypnotic
- captivating
- entrancing
- enchanting
- bewitching
- gripping
- hypnotizing
- absorbing
- seductive
- charming
- alluring
- charismatic
- arresting
- fascinating
- appealing
- magnetic
- tantalizing
- engaging
- galvanic
- haunting
- enticing
- elfin
- attractive
- intriguing
- glamorous
- tempting
- glamourous
- interesting
- luring
- exciting
- fetching
- titillating
- delightful
- beckoning
- winning
- pleasing
- inviting
- pleasant
- darling
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- revolting
- repulsive
- repugnant
- repellent
- tiresome
- shocking
- boring
- nauseating
- tedious
- wearisome
- appalling
- unalluring
- sickening
- repellant
- irksome
- offensive
- awful
- repelling
- abominable
- invidious
- horrid
- odious
- loathsome
- horrible
- hideous
- abhorrent
- horrendous
- obnoxious
- distasteful
- flat
- dull
- ponderous
- dreary
- noisome
- pedestrian
- drab
- monotonous
- leaden
- humdrum
- jading
spellbinding
2 of 3noun
as in enchantment
Synonyms & Similar Words
- enchantment
- bewitchment
- autohypnosis
- hypnosis
- automatism
- hypnotism
- autosuggestion
- mesmerism
- self-hypnosis
- self-suggestion
spellbinding
3 of 3verb
as in enchanting
to hold the attention of as if by a spell the tale about pirates and their buried treasure had completely spellbound the children Synonyms & Similar Words
- enchanting
- fascinating
- mesmerizing
- thrilling
- gripping
- enthralling
- arresting
- hypnotizing
- entrancing
- bewitching
- bedazzling
- charming
- engrossing
- enrapturing
- beguiling
- catching up
- engaging
- involving
- absorbing