enchant

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 This style of trouser emerged from the spring runway shows, enchanting us along the way with refreshing takes on how to wear them right now. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 24 July 2025 Pamela Anderson Is Quietly Revolutionary in The Naked Gun Running into walls Speaking of femme fatales, Pamela Anderson isn’t the first woman to enchant a Drebin to walk headfirst into a wall. Barry Levitt, Time, 1 Aug. 2025 Paqueta became the league’s great entertainer — his repertoire of nutmegs, through balls and insouciant celebrations enchanting supporters in the Rhone Valley and beyond. Jack Lang, New York Times, 31 July 2025 Pisces: Jeannie Jeannie aligns with Pisces, known for their free spirit and an enigmatic aura that enchants all others. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for enchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enchant
Verb
  • Growing up in the tiny town of Kingston, Minnesota, population less than 200, Tanner had always been fascinated by extreme weather.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The president is known to be fascinated with the sport, having attended three UFC events since his election in November.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Pigs possess proteins and genes sufficiently different from humans to trigger rejection.
    David A. Brenner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The kidnappers possess a compromising video involving her and her stepson, Matheo, threatening to release it if Vivienne helps Abigail.
    Time, Time, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The senior Kelly charms the organizers at an honorary dinner, not with Jay’s slick professionalism but with his own plain-spoken unpretentiousness.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Luckily, the broadcast immediately charmed its listeners and started hosting live audiences at bigger and bigger venues around town.
    Liz Schubauer, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • That might spell bad news for investors, given that market rallies are considered more durable when breadth is widening, Turnquist said.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2025
  • This was due to a range of factors, wrote J.P. Morgan, including growth, economic uncertainty, and questions over whether the September 2024 cut would spell a change in the tide of monetary policy.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In recent years, media has enticed U.S. families to relocate to Italy, highlighting its favorable tax regime and affordable lifestyle.
    Priya Prakash Royal Esq. LL.M. MBA AEP TEP, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • As of May, the prospect of infrastructure investment and a link to the world’s second largest economy has enticed up to 150 countries — representing around 40% of global GDP — to join the BRI through Memoranda of Understanding with China, the GFDC added.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Unsettling and lovely at once, this horror novella is a razor-sharp and bewitching fairytale about discovering the darkness in the world, as well as the darkness within oneself.
    Kalie Cassidy July 25, Literary Hub, 25 July 2025
  • Found 700 light-years away in the shoulder of the constellation Orion and visible with the naked eye, Betelgeuse has bewitched skygazers throughout human astronomy.
    Robin George Andrews, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Hilariously The dog's reaction in the viral clip has delighted TikTok users.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
  • In a photo shared on Instagram, Eden struck her signature genie pose, delighting her nearly 130,000 followers.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • South Park's season 27 premiere drew a response from the White House after the series depicted Trump attempting to seduce Satan.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Giselle, one of the oldest story ballets, has two parts: In the First Act, Giselle, a young peasant girl is seduced by Albrecht, a nobleman in disguise.
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enchant. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

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