riveting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "riveting" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is very interesting or compelling. Example sentence: The riveting conversation kept us engaged for hours.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bob Carr's intention to publish a "riveting" diary kept during his 18 months as foreign affairs minister is "inappropriate", "embarrassing" and "wrong", according to the former foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer.

The Guardian

It was more illuminating than the seven-leader debate two weeks ago, and at times it was riveting.

The Guardian

Riveting Victorian crime drama Ripper Street was saved from the axe by a rich benefactor earlier this year, and on 14 November, Amazon Prime subscribers will finally get to see series three of the show they couldn't hang.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

NO ONE could accuse the statement issued by senior diplomats from India and Pakistan on February 18th of being riveting.

The Economist

Miss Piggy Reprints Related items The King James Bible: The language of lightApr 17th 2003While not quite the new Nelson "autobiography" that Mr White claims for it, the collection, covering all periods of Nelson's life, is nonetheless riveting.

The Economist

Even if they seem to contain all the stylistic ingredients, they never hold up to prolonged viewing; a real Pollock is riveting because it teems with inner life.

The Economist

And indeed the programme, shown on Danish television on April 22nd, was riveting.

The Economist

(And note that they are trying to produce riveting, dramatic television coverage, after all).

The Guardian

The thought is prompted by my Guardian colleague Patrick Wintour's riveting account of Ed Miliband's defeat, published this week.

The Guardian - Opinion

And don't forget Kevin Boyle's riveting Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age.

The Guardian - Books

"Maturity, calm, aesthetic grace": these were the qualities I found in this riveting show, written and directed by Peter Brook and Marie-Helene Estienne, that explored the mystery of the human brain and the curse and blessing of mnemonic power.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "riveting" to describe narratives, performances, or events that completely capture and hold the audience's attention. It suggests a high degree of engagement and excitement.

Common error

Avoid using "riveting" to describe everyday or ordinary situations. This can diminish its impact and make your writing sound exaggerated. Reserve it for truly captivating subjects.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "riveting" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that is extremely interesting and captivating, commanding attention as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "riveting" functions as an adjective that describes something extremely interesting and attention-grabbing. It is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI and is frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While highly effective for conveying captivation, be mindful of overuse in mundane situations. Alternatives like "compelling" or "captivating" can provide nuanced shades of meaning. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its broad applicability, solidifying its place as a valuable descriptive term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compelling

Emphasizes the irresistible force or pressure to pay attention.

captivating

Highlights the ability to hold attention and interest.

engrossing

Focuses on completely occupying someone's attention.

absorbing

Stresses the capacity to fully occupy one's mind or attention.

enthralling

Implies a magical or spellbinding quality.

fascinating

Suggests a strong attraction and interest due to uniqueness or complexity.

gripping

Highlights the intensity and excitement that holds one's attention.

arresting

Focuses on the immediate and striking quality that captures attention.

intriguing

Emphasizes the mysterious or curious quality that piques interest.

exciting

Suggests a thrilling and stimulating experience.

FAQs

How to use "riveting" in a sentence?

Use "riveting" to describe something that captures your attention and holds your interest completely. For example, "The movie was a "riveting" tale of survival."

What can I say instead of "riveting"?

You can use alternatives like "compelling", "captivating", or "engrossing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "riveting" or "interesting"?

"Riveting" implies a stronger and more sustained level of engagement than "interesting". Use ""riveting"" when something completely captures your attention.

What's the difference between "riveting" and "exciting"?

"Riveting" suggests a deep and sustained captivation, while "exciting" implies a thrilling or stimulating experience. A "riveting" story holds your attention; an "exciting" event thrills you.