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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
The only leverage one of America’s old friends seems to have found with the current president is the allure of meeting King Charles. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025 With 2020’s roguelike Hades, Supergiant Games mastered the hypnotic allure of the live-die-repeat cycle by making every attempt have meaning. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
Put your best foot forward, since all eyes will be on you once Venus enters alluring Taurus on June 6. Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 27 May 2025 Sure, 2000’s Almost Famous is now a cult classic movie—but 25 years later, we’re still stuck on Kate Hudson’s portrayal of the chic and alluring Penny Lane. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allure
Noun
  • For a generation living in great uncertainty—from the GFC to COVID to cost-of-living pressures—Trump’s disruptive appeal offers both a protest and a sense of control.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • So while the shutdown is set to disrupt a wide range of federal programs, the SSA will continue holding appointments for benefit applications, considering appeals requests, and issuing original and replacement Social Security cards, among other services.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This is the perfect time to update your social platforms, start a podcast or simply charm people with your charming storytelling.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Each is nevertheless charmed by the other, forming a relationship that’s portrayed a bit like an illicit affair.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Yet no one would be tempted to call one species natural, the other not.
    Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The author throws out plenty of bones to tempt a composer.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Forced by competition and driven by profit Despite the warnings, the attractiveness of higher returns remains powerful, particularly for insurers and pension managers facing long-term liabilities.
    Ganesh Rao,Karen Tso, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Nevertheless, regardless of the potential attractiveness, investing in an individual stock entails significant risk.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Known for roles in Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian, Giancarlo admits that antagonists have always fascinated him because of their complexity.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The Dan Marino quotes lining the walls of Hard Rock Stadium fascinated the AD.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Amid the hangover of the 0-4 start, students shuffled out their dorms, lured by free food and faint promise of school spirit at the Rose Bowl.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Built at a cost of $29 billion, the railway is meant to help lure visitors away from coastal hot spots like Cancún and to create jobs and development opportunities in a region that has long been one of the poorest in Mexico.
    Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On the other hand, this actress has a fascination for the youth, for the beauty, for the innocence of this young girl.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement Origins of the water crisis The environmental unraveling of Iran began with a fascination for concrete.
    Nik Kowsar, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The possibilities are enticing because of how both Mara and Johnson grade out defensively.
    CJ Moore, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The 6-foot-4, 260-pound outside linebacker has a draft pedigree that could entice other squads.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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