What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irresistible
Example
The smell of freshly baked cookies was irresistible. [irresistible: adjective]
Example
She had an irresistible smile that lit up the room. [irresistible: adjective]
Example
The force of gravity is irresistible. [irresistible: adjective]
captivating
Example
The movie had a captivating storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat. [captivating: adjective]
Example
The singer's voice was so captivating that the audience was completely entranced. [captivating: adjective]
Example
The painting had a captivating quality that drew people in. [captivating: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Captivating is more commonly used than irresistible in everyday language. Captivating is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while irresistible is less common and often used in specific situations where the attraction is particularly strong.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between irresistible and captivating?
Both irresistible and captivating can be used in formal and informal contexts, but captivating is generally considered more formal and sophisticated than irresistible.