allure 1 of 2

Definition of allurenext

allure

2 of 2

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
Clearly the biggest allure for Riley on his way in the door — other than the stage and the city — was that the Knicks had Patrick Ewing. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026 Winter-Friendly Hikes While all four seasons have their own visual allure, West Virginia’s rugged natural wonders are perhaps at their most awe-inspiring in the winter, when cast in stark white. Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
The getaway, which bookends Tucson with its Saguaro East and Saguaro West parks, allures with inky nightscapes and numerous open-late trails. Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 8 Dec. 2025 The region’s invigorating multiculturalism also allures visitors drawn to calypso music, island cuisine, and its history as a port of entry to the Caribbean. Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allure
Noun
  • Beyond the affable urgency of his demeanor, there are other reasons for Attenborough’s unfailing appeal.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • The court is considering an appeal of a lower-court judge’s ruling that the amendment is invalid because lawmakers violated procedural requirements.
    Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Then again, Ortiz has been pretty charmed this weekend with five winners on Friday, including the Oaks, and five seconds in 11 mounts Saturday before capping it with the Derby.
    Gary B. Graves, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
  • Arthur from the Times is, against all odds, really charmed by Widow’s Bay.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • They’d be tempted to betray themselves or others.
    Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • The best part is, Baggu has a vast selection of reusable bags on their Amazon page that are so cute, you’ll be tempted to collect them all.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • But despite his rugged defense, his injury history might limit his attractiveness to potential trade suitors.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 4 May 2026
  • This illustrates how Leo could strengthen the attractiveness of AWS, which is already the company’s profit engine.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Yoo is fascinated by how Love Is Blind might fare in Korea.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 7 May 2026
  • At the moment, Philadelphia fascinates me most, a Play-In team that has enough talent to make a run to the finals.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • House Bill 1030 proposed to lure data center developers to the state by offering them sales tax breaks in exchange for complying with regulations.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
  • The prosecution argued that Bryant had encountered Morales before and likely followed her from the Sterling Glen Apartments, then either lured her with his badge or forced her into his truck before killing her and leaving her body in the woods.
    Mason Leath, ABC News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Even the furniture in this place got a feature in Vogue—Bieber is that much of a source of fascination.
    Lucy Feldman, Time, 6 May 2026
  • Her off-court advocacy, as much as her on-court play, has made Collier the subject of fascination to fans.
    Steve Inskeep, NPR, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • His frame and traits are enticing.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Office renovations and conversions in Charlotte Post-COVID, office towers have to either entice people to come back to the cubicle or change uses.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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