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allure

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of allure are attract, captivate, charm, enchant, and fascinate. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

When might attract be a better fit than allure?

Although the words attract and allure have much in common, attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

How are the words charm and captivate related as synonyms of allure?

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

When can enchant be used instead of allure?

While in some cases nearly identical to allure, 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

When would fascinate be a good substitute for allure?

While the synonyms fascinate and allure are close in meaning, 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 allure
Noun
The allure of the atmospheric Isle of Skye, Scotland’s northernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, is by no means a secret. Sarah Wood González, Vogue, 11 June 2025 A lot of the allure derives from the history and human drama that played out within the walls, as well as the astonishing architecture that features on so many castles. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 June 2025
Verb
The collection is inspired by alluring gangster films that are reimagined through the world of LaQuan Smith. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025 While the expansive sight of Lee’s Wharf and Newport Harbor may allure you, the food and lively atmosphere at Flora will draw you back. airmail.news, 9 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for allure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allure
Noun
  • The European Court of Justice’s advocate general recommended—in a non-binding opinion, mind you—that Google’s appeal to its €4 billion fine should be dismissed.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 20 June 2025
  • Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the fragments offer unique insights into Roman artistry and literacy.
    Willem Marx, NPR, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • In the video, Chelsie Dahl shared her son's nightly ritual that has charmed viewers worldwide.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
  • Bo Peep Bo Peep is a flirt who likes to charm the other toys.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • But Phoenix ultimately wasn’t tempted by a package of Wiggins, Rozier, Jaquez, Highsmith and the 20th pick.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
  • So, the next time you’re tempted to discard your efforts on reworking your resume as a waste of time because employers won’t hire you…think again.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Reddit users were fascinated by the strange-but-smart hospitality hack, with one even inspired to turn it into a trivia question.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
  • There is something magical about a firefly that fascinates young and old alike.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Its inauguration fiesta alone, which featured live music and Lucha Libre, is said to have lured up to 3,500 attendees.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 16 June 2025
  • The nation was in the grip of a devastating deflation, but the ability to acquire land by homesteading or on railroad credit lured continued inward migration and immigration from abroad.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • That fascination grew into a collection of 120,000 postcards, 700 of which were featured in a 2012 exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
    Pete Born, Footwear News, 15 June 2025
  • This may be explained by my longtime fascination with pears.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • Each tune has its own momentum, with several of them enticing audiences and exciting them for his sophomore album American Heart, which arrives tomorrow (Friday, June 20).
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Netflix may entice its subscribers to chill, but the global streamer is working on new offerings and deals to future-proof its content lineup and business.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • As their powerbrokers get seduced by the riches of T20 franchise cricket and as popularity for Test cricket declines among their countrymen, South Africa’s future in the longest and most traditional format has been of major concern.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • American culture has long inspired military service, with recruits seduced by action movies and promises of heroic returns to the U.S.
    Jacob Ware, The Conversation, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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