allure 1 of 2

Definition of allurenext

allure

2 of 2

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

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
The main allure of Premium Bonds is the chance to win up to £1 million, but even discounting the maximum, many of those with money in accounts will never win anything. Marc Shoffman, TheWeek, 16 Apr. 2026 The eternal allure of exploration Wiseman, the mission commander, is not usually at a loss for words. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Apr. 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 The region’s invigorating multiculturalism also allures visitors drawn to calypso music, island cuisine, and its history as a port of entry to the Caribbean. Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allure
Noun
  • His voice and his music are unfailingly tasteful and pleasant, which is a key part of both his appeal and limitations.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Gold remains the more reliable hedge, and silver has broader appeal, while silver offers a hybrid role with both industrial demand and investment appeal.
    Sharon Wu, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The series first debuted on Prime Video in 2021 and quickly gained a huge following, with viewers charmed by the beautiful scenery and the drama that country living can bring, helped along by Clarkson’s total lack of farming experience.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Social Media Can’t Stop Swooning Over Polar Bear The video’s comment section quickly filled with viewers charmed by the bear’s playful antics.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The proof is at the farmers market, where fresh asparagus, peas, rhubarb and other seasonal vegetables tempt us with their delicious potential in the kitchen.
    Victoria Caruso, Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Gentry’s lean frame limits his play strength, and the role fit will vary wildly depending on the scheme, but going to tempt creative coaching staffs.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Clavicular, whose real name is Braden Peters, is widely viewed as a leading figure in the looksmaxxing community, an online movement of young men pursuing methods to maximize their physical attractiveness.
    Ryan Brennan April 15, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Research conducted by travel insurer InsureandGo found that the scenic railway had the highest attractiveness score across two key measures.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In the book, Oppenheimer noted a family legend that Kennedy was fascinated by bugs as an infant; by the age of nine, the book said, Kennedy had a pet collection that included raccoons, rats, a horse, a calf, lizards, chickens, and snakes.
    Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The price of rotisserie and roast chicken has long fascinated New Yorkers.
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Like Delta, United has thrived by luring premium customers, especially the business crowd that pays extra to reserve at the last minute, while American has struggled in attracting that highly lucrative tier.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • As one of Iowa's oldest state parks, Maquoketa Caves has been luring visitors to its depths since the 1860s.
    Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • An exhibition curated by Barry Bergdoll and Martin Bressani at the Bard Graduate Center links those three eras, giving a central place to Viollet-le-Duc’s lifelong fascination with moody renderings, exploded perspectives, meticulous elevations, and analytical diagrams.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 23 Apr. 2026
  • But their desperate fascination with this piece speaks to Pearlman’s hold on those prone to YouTube rabbit holes.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But the choices will be enticing.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
  • In addition to the immediate employment boost for tradespeople—including construction workers, electricians, and plumbers—local governments have been enticed by the impressive tax revenues on offer.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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