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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
Swaying palms, turquoise waters and historic conch cottages have long defined the allure of Key West. Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Through the highs and lows, though, what The Bear always understood really well is the allure of the crucible. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 June 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
  • Hacky sack’s revival is digital in its distribution and analog in its appeal.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • His public appeal came after Russia bombarded Kyiv with drones and missiles in another deadly attack at the start of the week.
    Tiago Ventura, Time, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • Vibeke charms his in-laws, coos over the baby and, according to Karl’s quick furtive search of her handbag, appears to be taking her meds.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 7 July 2026
  • Compact room sizes may necessitate some creative luggage arranging, but you’ll likely be too charmed to care.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Now the game’s future is looking decidedly brighter and many more players of the original may be tempted to give the sequel a second chance.
    Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • If the thermostat is working properly but the air conditioner is struggling, don't be tempted to turn down the temperature even more.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Owners can enhance their business's attractiveness by packaging existing services into ongoing agreements, transforming it into a more predictable and transferable asset for sale.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The body-hugging jean aligns with the viral phenomenon centered on maximizing physical attractiveness through deliberate changes to appearance, grooming, fitness, style and medical procedures.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • My children can happily spend 40 minutes walking around a store, fascinated by packaging, choice and conversations with staff.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Its incredible restoration under a charismatic Italian priest, his tragic disappearance and presumed death during the Syrian civil war, and the inspiring interfaith work of the monastery's remaining monks and nuns all fascinated me.
    Emily Feng, NPR, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • The theory is that the deluge, which broke January daily rainfall records for Sydney, flushed sewage and other waste into the nearby coastal waters, attracting baitfish, which in turn lured sharks closer to shore.
    Sam Nichols, Scientific American, 8 July 2026
  • To lure the Panthers to Rock Hill, the city had agreed to give up its full share of fee revenue for that incentive deal.
    John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • From this space emerges the witch, a symbol of collective female strength and a figure through whom fascination and fear continue to be explored.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
  • Fans want to feel as close to the objects of their fascination as possible.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • The play, which won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize this year, entices on the page despite seeming overstuffed and curiously decentralized.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Despite rising costs, a number of properties throughout the country are keeping prices affordable to entice thrill-seekers.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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