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  • present participle of appeal.
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Synonyms

appealing

American  
[uh-pee-ling] / əˈpi lɪŋ /

adjective

  1. evoking or attracting interest, desire, curiosity, sympathy, or the like; attractive.


appealing British  
/ əˈpiːlɪŋ /

adjective

  1. attractive or pleasing

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of appealing

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; appeal + -ing 2

Explanation

The adjective appealing describes someone who is able to attract interest or is easy to like. For example, your easy sense of humor and way of making people feel comfortable make you appealing to friends old and new. If you are appealing, people want to be around you. It might be that you are really nice, or a good listener, not to mention have good looks. Actors who are appealing tend to get a lot of parts because filmmakers know audiences will flock to see them, just as an appealing description of a dish on a menu will lead more people to order it. This something is appealing, it is — or will be — popular.

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Vocabulary lists containing appealing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That can sound especially appealing as hyperscalers across the U.S. face increasing hostility over the construction of new data centers required to fuel the creation and deployment of powerful AI models.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 27, 2026

Their findings indicate that these differences may influence food and beverage preferences and could help explain why certain sweetened products are especially appealing.

From Science Daily • Jun. 26, 2026

The enduring intraparty conflict signals an opening for Talarico, who has made appealing to Cornyn supporters and disaffected voters across the political spectrum central to his general election strategy.

From Salon • Jun. 25, 2026

Mindless scrolling might seem appealing, but the blue light from the screen can stimulate your brain and leave you feeling more awake.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

It’s a different kind of confidence than I’ve seen in some of the guys at school, and it’s really appealing.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

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