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Synonyms

riveted

American  
[riv-i-tid] / ˈrɪv ɪ tɪd /

adjective

  1. fixed in place with or as if with rivets, fastened firmly.

    The two sections of the screen are attached to each other with a riveted hinge.

    The skillet features a riveted handle which provides a cool and safe grip for the user.

  2. having or using rivets.

    Denim for the riveted work pants came from a mill in New Hampshire that was known for the quality of its fabrics.

  3. firmly attentive.

    Last winter, the professor lectured on Darwin to a riveted audience in the Plainfield Opera House.


verb

  1. the simple past tense and past participle of rivet.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of riveted

rivet ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )

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.

“I find myself staring across the studio, for forty-three years now: her focus, always, in the moment, riveted upon her students.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

Wittman, the former FBI agent, says he expects art-world insiders to remain riveted to this case as it winds through the courts because both Matthiesen and Landau appear to have reasonable claims to the Courbet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

As a gay man, he was also riveted by the emotional bond between the lead characters on “Heated Rivalry.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

"These bits here are the most impacted by rust," Petr told me, pointing at a nest of riveted joints and beams.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2025

Then his eyes became riveted on a white face, tilted slightly upward.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright

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