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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
Today, makeup trends are decidedly more radiant, with juicy lip stains leading the charge—offering the allure of a glossy finish, paired with the long-lasting wear of a tint. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025 For Kennedy, the allure of Parker’s theory seems obvious. Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 9 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
  • The infectious energy and Justin Bieber-style appeal of 25-year-old country hitmaker Bailey Zimmerman was not reflected in the CMA nominations.
    Marcus K. Dowling, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The government subsequently dropped its appeal of the magistrate judge’s decision to release Bryant pending his trial, according to a notice on the docket Tuesday evening.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The post quickly gained attention on the platform, drawing laughter from viewers charmed by the pet's adventurous spirit and unfazed attitude.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • López Lizano spoke with a kind of halting formality, which charmed her.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Why Corporate Leaders Should Care Executives might be tempted to dismiss PSLF as a narrow policy issue affecting only government and nonprofit workers.
    Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • You may be tempted to go straight in with loads of product, but for the best lash look, Gray recommends starting little by little.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • However, regardless of its attractiveness, investing in a single stock involves high risk.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Toni Collette, whose breakthrough role was the socially awkward title character in 1994’s Muriel’s Wedding, has never shied away from playing women who downplay their attractiveness.
    Gregg Kilday, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Molina, who is fascinated by silver screen legend Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez), distracts himself and Valentín with a recounting of his favorite film of hers — The Kiss of the Spider Woman.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2025
  • That kind of content always fascinated me, both sides of it, actually, the victimology and the perpetrator’s perspective.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nepal The climbing capital of the world, Nepal has been luring mountaineers for decades, including up the busy South Col route to the summit of Mount Everest.
    Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
  • In April, Liverpool lured CFG’s director of football data Laurie Shaw to Anfield in what was regarded as a major coup within the industry.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The 2000s brought works centered around cars and boats, subjects of lifelong fascination for Grosvenor.
    News Desk, Artforum, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The hearing was the third in as many years in the halls of Congress since fiery testimony in July 2023 reignited public fascination in UFOs – not to mention the possibility that aliens are piloting them.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There are tons of enticing cold and hot drinks.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Responding to the demand, and hoping to entice younger shoppers into their financial ecosystems, payment facilitators such as Cash App, the BNPL provider Klarna, the fintech bank Chime, and even American Express have recently launched their own debit cards.
    Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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