Riveting and gripping are two words that can be used to describe something that is THRILLING. They both refer to something that is so exciting or intense that it captures the attention of the audience and holds it. Riveting is often used to describe a movie, book, or performance that is so captivating that it is hard to look away. Gripping, on the other hand, is usually used to describe a situation that is so intense that it is difficult to break away from it. Both terms are used to describe something that is so enthralling that it is almost impossible to look away.