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 Vara, like many of her readers, is both enchanted by the web and disgusted with the companies that control it. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025 Half a world away from Thailand’s swaying palms, Four Seasons Napa Valley’s enchanting poolside setting boasts its own indigenous beauty — acres of Cabernet vines with sweeping views of the Palisades mountains, modern farmhouse guest rooms and sprawling two-to-four bedroom residences. Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025 There were those around the program enchanted by the notion of hiring a younger coach who might fully come into his own in College Park, as Dusty May did at Michigan this year. Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2025 Some were perplexed by its location, while others were enchanted by the simplistic nature of a home from a time long gone. Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enchant
Verb
  • Rather than being terrified or trying to kill her, Ravi is fascinated by her unusual condition.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Emery was fascinated by former Real Sociedad striker Roberto Lopez Ufarte, analysing the specific movements and craftsmanship in his game.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That expectation of secrecy continues indefinitely, with only the pope himself possessing the authority to make exceptions.
    Christopher Watson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons, and any military escalation could lead to catastrophic consequences.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Whitmer wages charm offensive against Trump as other Dems attack As much as Trump enjoys skewering his rivals, the president has lauded Whitmer on multiple occasions since returning to power.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Benson Boone has charmed his way to the top—and that really seems to bother some people.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Potential Medicaid cuts from Congress could spell decreases to that funding.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Putin’s biggest concern is that Trump will blame Russia, bolster US support for Kyiv and impose tough new economic sanctions on Moscow, spelling an end to the potential benefits of a reconfiguration of US-Russia relations.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Rewarding a top-10 goal-scorer with the Selke could entice voters.
    Rob Rossi, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • The state’s Department of Insurance is rolling out a series of policy changes aimed at enticing insurers back into the market.
    CalMatters, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Those moments, perhaps more than anything else, can bewitch one's body and soul.
    Sharareh Drury, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Lady Gaga’s bewitching single provided the perfect level of drama and energy to this epic showdown, with both queens leaving it all on the floor.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Just days ahead of her latest birthday, Burnett delighted fans with a guest appearance in the April 24 episode of Hacks.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The Packers delighted hometown fans by finally using a first-round pick on a receiver for the first time since 2002, selecting Texas wideout Matthew Golden, who covered 40 yards in a scorching 4.29 seconds at the scouting combine.
    Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After turning undead and hiding her bite wound, Mary easily gets permission to re-enter the building, and quickly seduces Stack, before murdering him and infecting him with the vampire curse.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • But the next pope may be seduced by that glitter again.
    Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enchant. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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