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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
However, the allure to this is far beyond this mystical appeal. — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2026 The quest for tickets is the first of several McGuffins in the film that, while fun, bring to life the essential truth that the core of being teenage is the shiny allure of intangible pursuits, those things that promise fame, friends and being cool. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
The button front adds interest to the waistline, while the hidden zipper closure and alluring back slit offers all-day comfort. — Jennifer Chan, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for allure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allure
Noun
  • Fahey said the appeal reflects a broader shift in Democratic messaging, away from making Trump the central issue and toward challenging him to deliver on his own economic promises.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Amid all the record’s babbling, cooing, and shouting, this direct appeal feels like finally meeting daine’s eye across a crowded room.
    — Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Now available for adoption, the pig has charmed shelter staff with her easygoing nature and appetite for carrots and cactus.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Prosecutors said Gargiulo charmed women in the Los Angeles area by presenting himself as a friendly neighbor and handyman before breaking into their homes and stabbing them to death.
    — Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Something entertaining could tempt you this evening, especially if the offer makes enjoyment sound urgent.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Well, that’s another story entirely, and presents tempting shortcuts that undermine the learning process by depriving kids of the chance to develop analytical and research skills.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Firstman is recognized by a musclebound music producer dining nearby with a woman of equitable attractiveness.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Write-in answers primarily cited Carrie Coon’s and Morgan Spector’s attractiveness as the reason why.
    — The Editors, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Marcin Kierwiński, Poland's interior minister, said there were indications the suspect was fascinated by far-right ideology, according to Reuters.
    — Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Was that something that that fascinated you, creating a story where the main characters don’t actually understand each other?
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • That hasn’t deterred a startup called Alta from trying to lure banks and big companies with a blockchain of its own.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The Nordic countries are well known for their rather gimmicky yet innovative travel campaigns luring travelers to the icy north.
    — Lola Akinmade, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • For Adams, the festival is a reminder of how her fascination with the birds began.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The music itself is frantic and bombastic, exploding her crush into a throbbing, single-minded fascination.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Reports from other African countries said many were enticed with promises of lucrative jobs and generous benefits through false advertising on social media platforms.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Nov. 2026
  • That combination was enticing to Elon Muskular, one of the subjects Lee interviews in the docuseries.
    — Barry Levitt, Time, 12 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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