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
Johnson took advantage of Shum’s freestyle and hip-hop experience, though, and his prior performance chops on Glee to deliver a performance full of personality and charm. Katie Campione, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2026 His punchy, slightly cornball charm, combined with a winning smile that neatly masked his Nixonian ambition, cemented Mulroney’s status as a modern Canadian politician, someone willing to lead the nation through the 1980s into an uncertain future. Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
There’s something about the delicate strap detail that continues to charm fashion lovers and serves as the perfect footwear that’s both nostalgic and totally modern. Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026 Morris has a Super Bowl ring, a booming laugh and enough charisma to charm the stripes off a tiger. Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • The Rahvi lights, meanwhile, are adorned with jewelry-like amulets of semiprecious stones.
    Sean Santiago, Architectural Digest, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Since these figures have been found in excavations of homes, streets, and tombs, it is believed they were used as everyday objects, perhaps to promote fertility or used as children’s toys or household amulets.
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The visits tend to energize the base ahead of the midterms and may also broaden congressional candidates’ appeal.
    Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In its 35th season, DWTS continues to evolve while retaining the particular mix of spectacle, competition, and camp that gives it a cross-generational appeal.
    Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • During the final half-hour, Leeds stepped off and Newcastle had their best spell, culminating in Bazoumana Toure scoring his first Premier League goal, though by then the game had long been lost.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • But Practical Magic 2’s spell over the box office may not have been cast to last.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Tiffany-style pendant has already jumped from restaurant fixture to consumer product on secondary marketplaces.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2026
  • This Juju Vera pendant is an Art Deco–adoring minimalist must-have.
    Madeline Fass, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • At this time last year, many were fascinated by undrafted rookie free agent Brady Cook.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • But the darker side of humanity has always fascinated me, as do mystical practices.
    Ashley Woo, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But while Maye is a more polished passer than Allen was through three seasons, Allen still possesses a level of dominance no one else has replicated.
    Jeff Howe, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • With All-Pro tight end Bowers serving as the centerpiece alongside Michael Mayer and wideout Tre Tucker, the offense possesses far more execution upside than last fall—all while Mendoza develops behind the scenes.
    David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • And thankfully for Leipzig head coach Martin Demichelis, Nusa remains at the club and will be expected to become their attacking talisman in the Champions League.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Picture frames, plants, and talismans cover all available wall and table space.
    Emma Watson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The rankings were based on student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The list of 500 schools was compiled by the magazine and data research firm Statista, Schools were given a score based on their student outcomes, learning environment and their attractiveness to students.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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