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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
This week, the Senate health committee advanced the socialist’s bill aimed at reducing the allure of junk food. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 24 July 2026 Pax, the glamorous international operators who’ve flocked to fill the waters of the Nile with swanky boats as the allure of channeling your inner, slightly less murderous Agatha Christie grow stronger than ever. Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 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
  • This initiative aims to elevate horse racing's appeal to everyday sports fans by fostering rivalries and familiarity among top horses.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • As the one-time mini-mogul stews in the clink, an appeal is fast-tracking its way through the courts.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Everyone is giggling about his vocabulary, but they’re still charmed.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Robert Schwartzman charmed in The Princess Diaries as Michael Moscovitz, Lilly’s shy, hipster older brother, who plays in a band and has a crush on Mia.
    Madeline Boardman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Donald has been tempted to return ever since the Rams made the blockbuster trade for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
    Nate Atkins, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Others tried to widen their gaze to make sure their eyes would be open as the camera clicked, though the afternoon sun was tempting us to squint.
    Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • The judging criteria balanced overall attractiveness and legibility for law enforcement.
    Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • The list compiled 300 cities of varying sizes across 22 factors of market attractiveness, affordability and quality of life.
    Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Wuest was also fascinated by the themes explored by the film, and couldn’t help but notice parallels to our current moment.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The ongoing sagas of Getz and Hoyer, two executives who got their jobs the old-school Chicago way — with no bothersome hiring searches conducted by their bosses — are ones that continue to fascinate me.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Kehoe and other supporters argued that eliminating the income tax would boost the state’s economy and lure new companies and residents to Missouri.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Charges say the woman's son orchestrated a robbery targeting Goodsell, using another man's phone and vehicle to lure him.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Jules Dassin explored his previously unexamined fascination with the psychosexual.
    John Bleasdale, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The fascination persisted, though Burke often undercut it with humor and self-deprecation.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • There could be enough of the Heat’s mid-level exception available to entice Klay Thompson into taking a Mavericks buyout.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The main sticking point is Real Madrid’s failure to offer something that entices both City and the player, whose contract expires at the Etihad on June 30, 2027.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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