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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
And One&Only Aesthesis delivers that bygone allure with seriously fresh style. Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Obeid’s approach to covering the Dearborn restaurant scene goes beyond spots with trending offerings and a social media allure, a market Chami admits has its flaws. Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 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
  • Tarkowski slid in from behind to stop a certain goal, with United’s penalty appeals waved away.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Such contradictions, that cats can be both domesticated and yet somewhat feral, is part of their appeal, says comedian Drennon Davis, whose four cats have found internet fame via his short-form videos.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Despite the unnerving tone of the actor’s questions, I was charmed.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Dumas watched, charmed, his arms encircling his wife’s shoulders, and accepted an ice-cream sundae in a silver parfait cup.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • While on the trail, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife your dog may be tempted to chase.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • You could be tempted to let a friend, sibling or group chat decide everything just to avoid an unnecessary debate.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The rankings were based on student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The list of 500 schools was compiled by the magazine and data research firm Statista, Schools were given a score based on their student outcomes, learning environment and their attractiveness to students.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But the darker side of humanity has always fascinated me, as do mystical practices.
    Ashley Woo, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
  • As Oppenheim put it at the film’s Venice press conference, he’d long been fascinated by Hansen, and only became more so after his wife gifted him a Cameo from the host for his birthday.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Her medical fate is used by Kaftan’s deceivers to lure him into their trap, though again, this potential source of human feeling receives no emotional support from Mehring’s satiric style.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The words themselves feel poetic, almost decadent, but the images are robbed of their power to meet them, as each frame feels aimed only at presenting, rather than luring or excavating.
    Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Learning to distinguish genuine friendship from fascination with his position is something Prince William has had to navigate his entire life.
    Janelle Ash , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • For Johns, honey is one such ingredient—and his fascination with it is steeped in history.
    Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The country is one of Europe’s quickest growing AI markets, and major AI and big tech corporations such as Microsoft and TikTok have already pledged billions in investments into Finland, enticed by its growing role in Europe’s AI economy.
    Joshua Hong, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Rashford enticed the Ukrainian, then drove past him on the outside, further beating Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the area, forcing James Tarkowski to slide in to concede a corner.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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