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
Then, as on Saturday, Taylor’s performance exuded charm and warmth, joy and pathos, heartfelt emotion and seamless craftsmanship. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025 These small towns offer outdoor adventure, downtown charm, and family-friendly fun. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025
Verb
But the art of the pond skim doesn’t have to be executed thousands of feet above sea level to charm the ski pants off a crowd. Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025 This historic property exudes charm with its warm, inviting interior design that blends contemporary elements while honoring its vintage phone company roots. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • During the Middle Bronze Age, scarabs were used as seals and amulets, as Daphna Ben-Tor, curator of Egyptian archaeology at the Israel Museum, says in the IAA statement.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The Egyptians thought the scarab symbolized the incarnation of God the Creator. Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, who works with ancient amulets and seals, told the Israel Antiquities Authority that the seal scarabs were also used as amulets.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The initiative aims to boost Japan Inc.’s appeal to both foreign and domestic investors.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 May 2025
  • The importance of this immediate appeal of right provided by the UPEPA to a losing UPEPA movant is thus illustrated.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Goalkeeper Begovic returned to Everton last summer, having had a stint with the club between 2021 and 2023 and making 10 appearances across both spells.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Not in the books or in the spells that characters cast.
    Remington Miller, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Class of 2025 heart birthstone pendant: $79.99 (Amazon) Celebrate your graduate’s big day with this personalized pendant on Amazon.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
  • The team also discovered various ceremonial objects and offerings, including a stone ax and a pendant engraved with geometric motifs, officials said.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Fahy is a lot of fun playing against recent type as a blue-collar woman who has zero interest in the glamorous, opulent world that so fascinates her sister.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
  • Written by Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Scott Armstrong, the first-ever inside account of the Supreme Court fascinated her.
    Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Today, Rotterdam possesses one of Europe’s most robust migrant populations.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • The re-tasking of U.S. naval ships assigned to the western Pacific theater comes as China—now possessing the world's largest navy by hull count, with more than 370 vessels—expands its military reach and presence in the region, attempting to challenge American naval dominance.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • The real Hong-rang climbed a hanok wall in an attempt to remove the talisman, but slipped and fell.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 16 May 2025
  • Initials and the brand’s Eye of the Tiger motif—a design with roots in Ottoman Empire and Eastern philosophy is a modern talisman for strength and vitality—motif can also be added to bags.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The sequel to Practical Magic is aiming to enchant viewers in the fall of 2026.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2025
  • She was enchanted by the centuries-old wood plank floors, scarred and slightly sloped.
    Leilani Marie Labong, Architectural Digest, 5 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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