allure 1 of 2

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
In that environment, the allure of tangible, uncorrelated assets—like a stake in a growing sports league or a cash-flowing service business—only grows. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Even if a quarterback needed by the Titans keeps that from happening, Hunter's generational allure can't project to fall any further past No. 2 to the Browns, who have nothing to lose and everything to gain as a franchise from taking a chance on Hunter. Fox News Staff, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
Art and Patrick are longtime best friends and tennis rivals both chasing after the same woman, allured by her grace on the tennis court. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Dec. 2024 The film argues that companies are keeping consumers in a vicious shopping cycle: alluring advertising encourages people to buy ever more, and products are designed to fall apart quickly, further reinforcing the cycle. Esha Chhabra, TIME, 27 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for allure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allure
Noun
  • The remedies in Google's app store case are currently on hold pending appeal, but that problem is not going away.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The independent from Vermont and undisputed leader of the American progressive movement raised $11.4 million, while spending only $1.3 million to prime the pump with digital appeals.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And, naturally, Navarro was instantly charmed, dreamily melting into her chair as her fellow View cohosts all giggled.
    Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • He’s eventually charmed by his patient and relents but still insists on doing his rounds.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • If that’s not enough to tempt you, the set also comes with an insulated wine bag, an insulated cooler (which fits nicely in the basket), two food containers, and a fleece blanket.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2025
  • You may be tempted to cry into your beer over all of the recent problems with the economy and the rising prices of … well, everything.
    Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025
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
  • Hybrid models dominate, with companies offering commute perks to lure workers back, per Crunchbase.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • According to the suit, at one point as VML's father tried to secure her release, New Orleans ICE Field Office Director Mellissa Harper began interrogating the family's attorney about the father's immigration status and attempted to lure him into custody as well.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, a Maine State Game Warden leads a search on the ground and an elderly birdwatcher from Connecticut develops a fascination with the case.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • What began as a childhood fascination eventually revved up into something much more.
    Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jay Joyner, defensive end The Athletic, 5th round; PFF: 6th round, NFL.com: 5.97 (average backup or special teamer); RAS, 6.88 At 6-4, 262 pounds and with above-average testing, the Connecticut product will entice teams as an edge rusher.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Related article Marijuana ads are enticing kids to try weed, study says The potency of weed has skyrocketed over the years, which can heighten health risks and is leading to a global rise in marijuana addiction as well as cannabis use disorder, according to a 2022 study.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 20 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

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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