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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

Derived 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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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.

By contrast, GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are already being used by millions of Americans, making them an especially appealing area for future prevention research.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2026

That promise feels appealing but is a huge gamble.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

It isn’t much of an answer, but the approaches endorsed by Mr. Harrelson and the legion of academicians and scientists who weigh in here are appealing in a commonsensical fashion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

It has a throwback feel yet could easily exist in any era, which makes it so appealing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Handsome and appealing, he was instantly recognizable to thousands of fans in both the North and South.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

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