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
Historic downtown Jackson has oodles of charm with its art galleries, shops, restaurants, historic bars, and antler-arched square. Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Through letters, Ulisses charms lonely women, bilking them of money and possessions. Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026
Verb
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 The story here is how the Minions conquered Hollywood and became movie stars, which has charmed critics especially, with so many homages to classic Hollywood film. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 1 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
  • Hacky sack’s revival is digital in its distribution and analog in its appeal.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • His public appeal came after Russia bombarded Kyiv with drones and missiles in another deadly attack at the start of the week.
    Tiago Ventura, Time, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Anderson was the final one in the gym, spending nearly a good dozen or so minutes seated next to Hornets assistant coach Ryan Frazier, chatting for a lengthy spell while going over some things.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
  • It was planted at #1 on the service for a spell and remains in the top 2 or 3 daily.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Dated to approximately 1600, the pendant later came into the possession of the Malcolm family, almost three centuries after the queen's death in 1603.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • The belt featured the Chanel CC logo in small charms across the top of the belt, as well as in a large pendant hanging off the end of the belt near the hem of Lohan's skirt.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • My children can happily spend 40 minutes walking around a store, fascinated by packaging, choice and conversations with staff.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Its incredible restoration under a charismatic Italian priest, his tragic disappearance and presumed death during the Syrian civil war, and the inspiring interfaith work of the monastery's remaining monks and nuns all fascinated me.
    Emily Feng, NPR, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • Congress codified the ban into law in 2020, and said the F-35s could be transferred if Turkey no longer possessed the S-400s.
    Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • The couple appeared in federal court on Monday, July 6, on charges of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • In the end, Sophia kills Elgin and steals most of the talismans that protect the Fromville citizens from the night walkers.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • England had quite a scare against DR Congo before talisman Harry Kane saved the day with a pair of late goals.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • That often signals the business has reached peak strategic attractiveness.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The body-hugging jean aligns with the viral phenomenon centered on maximizing physical attractiveness through deliberate changes to appearance, grooming, fitness, style and medical procedures.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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