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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
As stores were cleared out and inventory marked down, shoppers once again encountered Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus stores stripped of the upscale allure that had defined them. — Rachel Felder, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026 This informed the wardrobe that encompasses a rock ’n’ roll attitude with glamour, allure and ease. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
In a gaming landscape full of always-online MMOs worth exploring in depth, Arrakis' treacherous sands and its more populated locales are alluring in ways even the biggest Dune fans weren't expecting at first. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for allure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allure
Noun
  • The ban remains in force, with the Supreme Court scheduled to hear a further appeal early next month.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In the appeal, the Cubs will be ready to counter these and other potential arguments.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • And then, of course, she gets charmed by the insidious nature of it all.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
  • No rude reality intrudes on Avedon’s dream city, where the women are beautiful and in love and even the bystanders are charmed.
    — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Many clients are tempted to move to a low-tax locale like Florida or Texas before a big exit.
    — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 You may be tempted to spend, commit, or say yes a little too quickly this morning.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • On the other hand, higher Fed rates typically bolster the attractiveness of dollar assets, exerting depreciation pressure on local currencies.
    — , CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The rankings were based on student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The reaction to this movie fascinates me, starting in Cannes.
    — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026
  • In 2008, passionate surfer Tim Russo purchased the property, renamed it, and set out to organically grow it into a resort full of wonder where serious surfers and travelers fascinated with the surf lifestyle could vacation happily.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This is a different message his predecessor, Greg Norman, had in 2022 when LIV Golf launched by spending more than $1 billion to lure away stars who couldn't ignore the money.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than through a cold call or email, the scammers lure them through websites offering self-publishing or vanity publishing.
    — Snigdha Poonam, The Dial, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But spectators may come for the theater of death itself, drawn by fascination with what human beings can do to one another.
    — Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The design also nods to Schlumberger’s fascination with textiles.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But while Cartman and Ike are in Sephora, they get enticed into going into the backrooms with an employee, which look straight out of Kane Parsons’ horror film.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Some blame the content for not being enticing enough, while others contend that the programs could be promoted better on Netflix.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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