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
Though uncommonly immune to his charms, Ginger does accept Lee’s help on a case. Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026 The three-piece set includes a miniature Tajín bottle in a hand beaded holder, a miniature Taco Bell bag designed to stash Tajín seasoning and Taco Bell Hot Sauce Packets, and a heart charm featuring Peso Pluma’s logo. Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
Robert Schwartzman charmed in The Princess Diaries as Michael Moscovitz, Lilly’s shy, hipster older brother, who plays in a band and has a crush on Mia. Madeline Boardman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 The nutty richness of the sherry is immediately apparent, sweetened and charmed by the orgeat, and the sherry as much as anything is what sets the Fog Cutter apart. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • The excavation, carried out by an Egyptian archaeological mission under the supervision of the SCA, also uncovered pottery coffins, as well as a collection of incense burners, oil lamps, and funerary amulets.
    Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 31 July 2026
  • Supporters hoisted their children toward her or presented her with gifts—amulets, handwritten notes, rosaries, prayer cards.
    Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • He was sentenced to death in 1986, won an appeal for a new sentencing hearing and was again sentenced to death in 1989.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The mish-mash of different stands, for instance, at Harrogate Town’s Wetherby Road — now no longer part of the ’92’, following their relegation in May— gave the place a certain appeal, even though the National League felt a more natural home.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Hong returned as national team coach in 2024 after a previous spell in charge from 2013 to 2014.
    Reuters, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Recent research has highlighted the role of supply shocks in recessions over a long spell of history.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Vogue has featured the gold jewelry Davis-Woodhall wears like talismans — Cartier rings and watches and custom pieces like a necklace with a pendant shaped like Olympic rings.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The pendant, which is encircled by diamonds, also includes a heart between the initials.
    Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Wuest was also fascinated by the themes explored by the film, and couldn’t help but notice parallels to our current moment.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The ongoing sagas of Getz and Hoyer, two executives who got their jobs the old-school Chicago way — with no bothersome hiring searches conducted by their bosses — are ones that continue to fascinate me.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Instead, that process was based on a predictable pattern, allowing hackers who possessed a sample seed phrase to use trial-and-error to guess others—and clean out Coldcard owners in the process.
    Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Hugging Face article outlines what capabilities these organizations need to possess.
    Nisha Talagala, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Spain’s superpower was a coherent tactical system that no other national team — or their respective talismans — could find an answer to.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Like its name suggests, Don’t Let Disco pieces act as talismans of joy, connection, and emotion against the drudgery of regular life.
    Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The judging criteria balanced overall attractiveness and legibility for law enforcement.
    Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • The list compiled 300 cities of varying sizes across 22 factors of market attractiveness, affordability and quality of life.
    Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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