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
Its charm features a casting of the Liberty Bell and 250 mixed-cut rubies, per Netflix. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026 In his prime, his shows were unforgettable displays of verbal dexterity and abundant charm. Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026
Verb
Later, Swift revealed that she was charmed by Kelce’s willingness to court her so publicly and decided to give him a chance. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 4 July 2026 Elle Woods, the headstrong sorority girl turned Harvard Law student played by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 film, charms her way into the Ivy League law school through relentless studying and an out-of-the-box admissions video essay. Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • Also represented are smaller artifacts, including beads, amulets, and incense burners.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026
  • First, the family in the West African nation of Guinea turned to a traditional healer who suggested protective amulets.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The verdict is still subject to post-trial motions and possible appeals.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • Plastic appeals to cats because of its texture, sound and smell.
    Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • The agency compared the heat wave’s severity to that of August 2003, when a 16-day hot spell caused 70,000 deaths across Europe.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2026
  • Onana was forced off during Belgium’s round-of-16 win over the USMNT and is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • That same shot also features Digger’s ailing pet cat, who is wearing a collar with a pendant that matches the oil baron’s bolo tie…as well as a cloudy blue eye that appears to be a strikingly similar hue.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026
  • The elegant, minimalist light pendants feel very Japanese, as do the large tatami mat–slash–window seats and ceramic wall hangings repaired with gold à la kintsugi.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • But the skillful way in which they are woven together belies the efforts that went into telling this story, and Lovely Reader, this dedication to quality fascinates me.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Academics have long been fascinated by Messi’s behaviour, particularly his cognitive skills.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • As a producer with a foot in both the classic-rock and modern pop/rap worlds, Watt possesses both a fanboy’s reverence for Stones history and a shrewd knowledge of the precision mechanics practiced in pro songwriters’ rooms.
    Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026
  • The Mississippi State commit from Atlanta hit 19 home runs in 33 games this past season and possesses 20-20 upside.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • Norway’s talisman, the man looking to dump England out of the World Cup quarter-finals later today, was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 11 July 2026
  • The Three Lions fell behind 1-0 early against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 32 and trailed for nearly 70 minutes before talisman Harry Kane scored two late goals to send England to the Round of 16.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • The European Commission said the preloading of Gemini onto Android devices reduced the attractiveness of rival third-party models for the 60% of EU adults who use Android.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 17 July 2026
  • As popularized by streamer Clavicular, the movement approaches attractiveness like an engineering problem.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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