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
Those who've not been introduced to its many fun charms are almost always astonished by its energy, vivid set pieces, and compelling narrative that scratches that diehard sci-fi itch. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 June 2025 But in the last decade or so, Americans have come around to the herbaceous charms of these fortified wines—in spritzes, on the rocks—and liquor store shelves are beginning to reflect the kaleidoscopic range the category has to offer. Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 June 2025
Verb
Walter, whose polyphonic sensibility first charmed me in Beautiful Ruins, has here made something salty, sinewy, and satisfying from fairly tough material. Emily Temple may 27, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025 My job was to charm and connect with the dean, be the closer, and persuade the school I should not be dismissed. Dawn Staley, New York Times, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • There are also equippable amulets that offer passive and combo-specific bonuses.
    Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 14 June 2025
  • Signature brand pieces include amulets, angels, royal blue moonstones and more.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the fragments offer unique insights into Roman artistry and literacy.
    Willem Marx, NPR, 20 June 2025
  • The European Court of Justice’s advocate general recommended—in a non-binding opinion, mind you—that Google’s appeal to its €4 billion fine should be dismissed.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • That’s hardly unique for this team but rectifying it is imperative; Le Bris’ side were well organised last season but will need to upgrade their ability to withstand long spells of pressure this year.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • In exploring some of the ways that LLMs work and what that brings to business, McKay talked about trust, using the example of early spell check tools evolving into autocorrect, and suggesting that businesses should build up to more extreme disruptions.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • These included animal bone pendants, a potential whistle made from a snail shell, and human remains.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 June 2025
  • The second is a rare diamond and enamel pendant, similar to other jewels presented by Ottoman Sultan Selim III (1761-1808) to Admiral Nelson and other British naval commanders in gratitude for the Royal Navy’s victory over the French at the Battle of the Nile in 1798.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The writer was fascinated with sharks after spotting them during childhood fishing trips with his father on Nantucket.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 20 June 2025
  • That stuff about the Gunn Mummy fascinates me though.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • How naive of me to expect that those in the public eye would at least pretend to possess tact, diplomacy, magnanimity and graciousness rather than bark and growl like an angry pit bull on a thick clanking chain.
    Louis Balsamo, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025
  • James Gabbert/Getty Images The Context Texas law allows people with a license to conceal carry a gun and to possess that gun on college campuses.
    Sophie Clark Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • These talismans of use are analogous to the often unaffected art work shown at Intuit.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
  • The radiant diamond Evil Eye cocktail ring in 18k yellow gold is designed as a talisman for protection and a good luck piece.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • The screenplay loses its way at the end but kids and adults will be enchanted by the inventive, eccentric characters and the rich animation.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
  • No longer interested in enchanting us, the filmmaker puts his audience through the wringer, and his kick-ass mentality is well-served by star Tom Cruise, who lives for these sorts of full-throttle roles.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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