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Definition of allurenext

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
Amid the allure of international jet-setters, luxury aficionados, art enthusiasts, and avant-garde travelers, five-star Hôtel Lou Pinet offers a serene retreat that captures nostalgic charm and the essence of bohemian chic. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 The primary reason for Golden State’s allure to the former Laker could be distilled into two names. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 3 July 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 Despite having never considered Nashville as a potential home, she was allured by the idea that her social connections would thrive there and decided to settle. Erik Buckingham, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allure
Noun
  • The verdict is still subject to post-trial motions and possible appeals.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • Plastic appeals to cats because of its texture, sound and smell.
    Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • The job of stopping Messi’s charmed World Cup will fall on the shoulders of Xhaka and Akanji, along with Remo Freuler, Nico Elvedi and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
    Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • Vibeke charms his in-laws, coos over the baby and, according to Karl’s quick furtive search of her handbag, appears to be taking her meds.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • But even if you’re tempted to drown your chicken in the sweet and savory cranberry barbecue sauce, try to hold a little back.
    Justin Brown, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
  • Opt for the Vionic Walk Max Sneakers that’ll tempt you to ditch your other kicks altogether.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • The European Commission said the preloading of Gemini onto Android devices reduced the attractiveness of rival third-party models for the 60% of EU adults who use Android.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 17 July 2026
  • As popularized by streamer Clavicular, the movement approaches attractiveness like an engineering problem.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • But the skillful way in which they are woven together belies the efforts that went into telling this story, and Lovely Reader, this dedication to quality fascinates me.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Academics have long been fascinated by Messi’s behaviour, particularly his cognitive skills.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Opened as a hotel in 1873, the property has attracted A-listers over the decades, including Alfred Hitchcock, Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, and George Clooney (luring him from his own Como home nearby).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • Over the last decade, China reversed its brain drain, luring thousands of skilled workers back home to help fuel its rise as a technology powerhouse.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • But they're all connected by a love for adventure and a fascination with science—they're here to enjoy Lindblad's iconic education component that frequently sets the company apart from other expedition cruise lines.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • Hollywood’s fascination with YouTube creators is going to the next level.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Eventually, the attacker would entice the target to install malware disguised as security software.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
  • The San Francisco Chronicle first confirmed Saronic’s plans, which come after Texas officials approved a $211 million abatement package to entice the company to locate the shipyard in South Texas.
    Lia Russell July 16, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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