charm 1 of 2

1
as in amulet
something worn or kept to bring good luck or keep away evil an old cap that I use as a charm for whenever I play softball

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
as in pendant
an ornament worn on a chain around the neck or wrist a dangling charm in the figure of a horse on her bracelet

Synonyms & Similar Words

charm

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word charm different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of charm are allure, attract, captivate, enchant, and fascinate. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," 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 could allure be used to replace charm?

Although the words allure and charm have much in common, allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

When can attract be used instead of charm?

The words attract and charm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

When might enchant be a better fit than charm?

While in some cases nearly identical to charm, 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 charm?

The synonyms fascinate and charm are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 charm
Noun
Still, it’s got some zippy charm, particularly in the kitchen, where delft-blue tiles line the backsplash above the electric-blue Kucht oven and burners, plus the starred maroon and faded floral wallpapers lining the bedrooms upstairs. Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2025 All the fashion experts—including Hailey Bieber—have surrendered to their charm. Isabel Serra, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
Now, Mitchell prepares to charm the rest of the world with Ludwig: the first two episodes drop on BritBox on March 20, followed by one new episode weekly until April 17. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025 Set your bag charm aside and accessorize your tote with a bandana instead. Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • Discovery: On a hike with her family, a 3-year-old stumbled across a 3,800-year-old Egyptian amulet.
    Justin Porter, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • On Tuesday, April 2, the Israel Antiquities Authority revealed in a Facebook post that three-year-old Ziv Nitzan of Ramot Meir found a 3,800-year-old scarab amulet during a family trip to Tel Azekah, Israel in March.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The remedies in Google's app store case are currently on hold pending appeal, but that problem is not going away.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Reflection and Commentary By reflecting on memories through a combination of nostalgic ocean art and Western art and engaging the viewer by commenting on societal issues and environmental concerns, Nathan’s work demonstrates significant appeal.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His sole Premier League appearance came against Manchester City nearly four years later and his career has included loan spells with Lincoln City, Peterborough United, MK Dons and Rotherham United.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The company's manifesto unabashedly promotes the tool as an aid to cheating and likens its arrival to inventions like calculators, spell checkers, and Google.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This includes another brain pendant chain — made with yellow gold instead of white — his dual skateboard pendant, his iconic 2005 N.E.R.D. chain, and a nine carat pair of Oakley sunglasses.
    Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Her Elsa Peretti for Tiffany tassel pendant adds a layer of tasteful artistry.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • People with autism, for example, tend to have special interests that result in in-depth knowledge or passion about a topic, says Khan, who recalls a patient fascinated by vacuums.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Noah Carrigan has always been fascinated by trucks.
    Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Williams possesses huge arms (34 3/8 inches) and a giant wingspan (82 7/8 inches).
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons, and any military escalation could lead to catastrophic consequences.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Raphinha’s renaissance may have been stealing all the headlines, but Lewandowski is still Barcelona’s talisman.
    Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Naturally, the Liverpool fanbase is calling on the board to give the talisman his dough, whatever the salary.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, the show will enchant audiences on West 57th Street in the old Lee’s Art Shop building.
    Sharareh Drury, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Vara, like many of her readers, is both enchanted by the web and disgusted with the companies that control it.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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