Definition of enchantnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word enchant different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of enchant are allure, attract, captivate, charm, and fascinate. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

Where would allure be a reasonable alternative to enchant?

The synonyms allure and enchant are sometimes interchangeable, but allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

When is attract a more appropriate choice than enchant?

The meanings of attract and enchant largely overlap; however, attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

How do charm and captivate relate to one another, in the sense of enchant?

Charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

charmed by their hospitality
her performances captivated audiences

In what contexts can fascinate take the place of enchant?

The words fascinate and enchant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of enchant Theron plays the nymph Calypso, who keeps Odysseus enchanted on her island for seven years. Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 The country was playing in the World Cup for just the third time and the run enchanted a nation that is normally far more interested in hockey than the pitch. ABC News, 4 July 2026 The country was playing in the World Cup for just the third time, and the run enchanted a nation that is normally far more interested in hockey than the pitch. Kristie Rieken, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2026 Ideal for a wedding or black-tie gala, Hannah Bronfman’s twisty updo and face-framing tendrils are sure to enchant. Christina Perrier, InStyle, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for enchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enchant
Verb
  • The concept of responding to a thing or prompt would fascinate Forti all her life.
    News Desk, Artforum, 29 July 2026
  • After all, what are the pirate-ship kitchens Bourdain recounts early in Kitchen Confidential if not a more dangerous, adult version of the juvenile hijinks that have always fascinated Johnson?
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Corporate security departments, private intelligence outfits and investigative services possess powerful tools, including data access, surveillance capabilities, global networks and advanced tradecraft.
    David Niccolini, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Phelps and Dixon were also charged with conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
    Nathan Pilling July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • But like a bolt of lightning from Zeus himself, Page instantly charms us from his first swig of SunnyD, creating a character whose quippy armor hides a sensitive soul longing for meaningful connection.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • Plant flowering shrubs or vines that can trail over the top, charming the neighbors while screening the view at the same time.
    Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • But he is visited by Kanbei (Masaki Suda), an envoy from a different clan, who tells him that more and more factions are siding with Oda, spelling certain doom for Murashige.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • The Sofitel brand, after all, spells amenities, loyalty programs, and an international set.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • The brand also enticed fans with daily specials like $1 Mexican pizza.
    Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 30 July 2026
  • What enticed you to revisit the characters and write for them again in this context?
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Terrifying witches who bewitch unsuspecting travelers with cursed meat.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Eerie in a way that feels more seductive than scary, the film isn’t bewitched by its demons so much as the process of transubstantiation by which a (self)tortured young woman can transform them into grace.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Mitchell entered the theater just after the clip ended and was delighted by the immersive effects.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 19 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, across the street, The Hitch General Store delights visitors with nostalgic treats such as Goo Goo Clusters, Moon Pies, jams, honey, and classic bottled sodas.
    Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • This is not the beautiful creature who seduces Odysseus in the poem.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The young women acted as underground assassins, seducing Nazi officers, luring them into the woods and killing them.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enchant. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on enchant

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster