allure 1 of 4

Definition of allurenext

alluring

4 of 4

verb (2)

present participle of allure

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
These shoes perfectly understand the allure of subtle elegance. Alex Sales, Glamour, 14 July 2026 Just 60 miles south of Sicily, the stunning Mediterranean archipelago basks in 300 days of sunshine a year — and its allure is only growing. Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 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
Adjective
The only things keeping Kaskaskia from transforming into a complete ghost town are the richness of the land, too alluring not to farm, and the church. Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Ever since Britney Spears’ acting debut in Crossroads captured my imagination as a pre-teen, taking in America by road—specifically as a passenger princess—has always been alluring. Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 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 See All Example Sentences for allure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allure
Noun
  • Building a free-flowing, attack-minded squad was the priority, but Keegan’s appeal stretched beyond the dressing room.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Few properties capture this boutique appeal quite like the Greek Revival estate Ashford Acres Inn, originally constructed in 1858.
    Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • But like a bolt of lightning from Zeus himself, Page instantly charms us from his first swig of SunnyD, creating a character whose quippy armor hides a sensitive soul longing for meaningful connection.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • Plant flowering shrubs or vines that can trail over the top, charming the neighbors while screening the view at the same time.
    Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Strong opinions could tempt you into proving a point, especially online or around travel, school, or belief systems.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
  • Try it anywhere you might be tempted to use an anchovy or two, in dressings and sauces, braises, or, frankly, any dish involving seafood.
    Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • The European Commission said the preloading of Gemini onto Android devices reduced the attractiveness of rival third-party models for the 60% of EU adults who use Android.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 17 July 2026
  • As popularized by streamer Clavicular, the movement approaches attractiveness like an engineering problem.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • The entrepreneur fascinated by biology may rethink manufacturing.
    Lintao "LT" Lu, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Jeb has always been fascinated by the heroic deeds of gunslingers, despite the Quaker teachings of nonviolence.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • In March, at a town hall meeting hosted by the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District, some influential Beach figures sharply questioned whether the zoning benefits would be sufficiently generous to lure developers.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Technology companies have spent billions in recent months to lure top talent and acquire AI capabilities.
    Samantha Subin,MacKenzie Sigalos,Jonathan Vanian,Jordan Novet, CNBC, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • As Sparrow prepared to open the installation, ARTnews spoke to the artist about her fascination with the everyday and the role of nostalgia in her work.
    Lilyanna D'Amato, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026
  • Christopher Nolan’s fascination with time is one of the defining themes of his films.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • The short turn around is designed to entice users to act quickly and pre-order, but rest assured that a similar PayPal deal will likely come around again in the next few months.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Profit was pressured by lower average vehicle selling prices as the company offered incentives to entice buyers.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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