Definition of charmnext
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
Tracy Letts steals the movie as a dryly observant United Artists studio head who’s eventually disarmed by Sly’s charms. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026 As one of Hollywood’s most sought-after and beloved leading men in the 1940s and 1950s, his magnetic charm and emotional range captivated audiences worldwide before Marlon Brando or James Dean ever hit the silver screen. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
No rude reality intrudes on Avedon’s dream city, where the women are beautiful and in love and even the bystanders are charmed. — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 The museum is home to much of Picasso’s ceramic work—I was particularly charmed by a wall of plates—as well as paintings and sketches dedicated to Greek mythology. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • Daniels wrote that El-Sabarum sold candles in a variety of shapes and colors, herbs, special oils, and amulets.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • My curiosity around amulets and talismans is something of a contradiction.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • While not guaranteed, the appeal is likely to be taken back up by the same three-judge appellate panel who previously heard — and rejected — the administration’s emergency request to block state officials from counting the ballots.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Nasdaq's growing appeal stems in part from revisions to its index inclusion mechanisms and listing rules implemented earlier this year.
    — , CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • This would've already been an abnormal natural hot spell on top of a huge amount of climate change, Barnes said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Some people are even gravitating toward religious organizations and turning to mystical practices like psychics and love spells to find a partner.
    — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Reworked by design studio Alta Projects, the cabin pairs whitewashed paneling and dark pine floors with a stone fireplace, George Nelson pendants, and a chalet-style kitchen in white oak and walnut.
    — Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Bonacina chairs surround a round Time & Style table beneath a silk pendant by Fortuny.
    — David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Those copious field reports, sworn affidavits, and telegrams signed, alarmingly, HOOVER, would fascinate, enrage, and unmoor me.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Amid all the con artists and fraudsters this century has produced, Holmes is the one who fascinates us the most.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • LaGrone was directed not to possess weapons, alcohol or drugs and remain under the care of a person whose initials are noted in a document.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The person in charge did not possess a valid Food Protection Manager Certificate.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Soddu makes jewelry talismans because they can be worn and returned to.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Drawing from the Renaissance game’s design and motif, there are playful talismans — geese, dragonflies, clovers, horseshoes, dice, keys and ladybugs — across trays, teapots, mugs, boxes, miniatures and espresso sets.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Anwar is trying to highlight Malaysia’s attractiveness to tech and AI companies, in particular by highlighting the country as a neutral and non-aligned home for investment.
    — Jay Ganglani, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026
  • On the other hand, higher Fed rates typically bolster the attractiveness of dollar assets, exerting depreciation pressure on local currencies.
    — , CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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