charm 1 of 2

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

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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

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
Made with reclaimed wood from the original house and colored with touches of the red and yellow of the Spanish flag and old family photos, the neighborhood bar has a worn charm and approachability, with a TV at the end of the bar that will be tuned to sports. Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026 A bit more restraint around the tank graphics, a tighter headlight treatment, and smoother transitions between the fuel body and footpeg area, and the Jawa 730 could have kept its mechanical charm and looked genuinely elegant. New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
As Sophie Baek, the Cinderella-style housemaid of illegitimate birth who charms the latest eligible Bridgerton bachelor, Ha is exquisite. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026 The classic check pattern, two colors of the same hue in a basketweave, was popularized by the English and the Dutch in the 18th and 19th centuries and quickly became the epitome of countryside quiet luxury that continues to charm designers to this day. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • Did you get picked because the amulet looked best with your outfit?
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
  • At Tel Azeka, a little girl found a 3,800-year-old amulet tied to the Canaanite people.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • While the Congress and the Communists retain loyal voter bases, Shah's party has drawn larger crowds on the campaign trail, highlighting its growing appeal among younger voters seeking an alternative.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
  • In January, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court granted her an appeal to reexamine the matter.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Rastrick also had a spell at the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC) as leadership and management auditor.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Davis played through foul trouble, too, sitting for spells after collecting four infractions.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Look to Hermès for a fresh take on jewelry styling by coiling a silk scarf around a pendant and pairing with a simple button-up and trousers.
    Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The statement earrings featured a large gold pendant with four rows of ocean blue and gold jewels dangling from it.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Spielberg has been fascinated by the UFO topic his whole career, with his 1977 classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind still considered by many to be the most compelling dramatization of the subject.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Shawn, too, is wracked and fascinated by the human ability to smile and smile and be a villain.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Each possess sharp strategic instincts and a deep commitment to long-term career building, strengthening our ability to scale thoughtfully while driving lasting cultural impact.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2026
  • In the sixth week of gestation, human embryos possess a tail with multiple vertebrae.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Luke Bosher Harry Kane (Bayern Munich and England) England’s talisman is at the peak of his powers and putting together another historic season in Germany.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The former comedian, long since transformed into a wartime talisman globally, is also battling to keep hold of domestic favor.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The commercial attractiveness of the World Cup, which is currently soliciting bids from potential host cites in North America and Europe, should be significantly higher.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 22 Feb. 2026
  • However, worries around a decline in attractiveness and fertility weren’t strongly linked with epigenetic aging.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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