charm 1 of 2

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
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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
The shorter version can also be tied up and used as a bag charm. Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025 Small, functional items like these prove that holiday decor can combine utility with charm. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
In the films, Zellweger has charmed us all with a portrait of comedic genius. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025 San Francisco’s season that has been equal parts charmed and snakebitten continued Sunday with another victory even though many of the team’s playmakers remain injured. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • Those spirits were awakened by several methods, from burying the packet in the ground, to tying macrame-like knots onto the parcels, to driving nails into the amulet—all to fulfill the requests of Congolese practitioners.
    Essence, Essence, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Brides in South Asia are famously decked out in the precious metal – necklaces, earrings, nose rings, hair pieces and amulets – that can be gifted or inherited.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Supreme Court also previously denied an appeal filed by Davis in 2020.
    Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • That Mamdani was able to win decisively shows the power of his appeal, and how much his charisma, social media savvy and messaging on affordability resonated with voters.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • There are 13 official classes in D&D 5th Edition, with each class having distinct skills, spells and ways that shape how a character handles challenges and interacts with the game world.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The micro-car rolls on four 12-inch wheels wearing 125/65 tires, and benefits from a relatively short hood for good visibility through a windshield that's kept clear during rainy spells by a single wiper.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • During her trip to The Netherlands, Queen Letizia added a traditional yellow sash with a pearl broach to her dress, along with another pendant near her waist.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025
  • After the late night meal, Milton of Latin Mafia gifted Rosalía a necklace that included a pendant of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
    Lucas Villa, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.
    Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Elizabeth is fascinated by insects and science.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The reactor also possesses a strong negative temperature coefficient, meaning the nuclear reaction naturally slows as temperatures rise, preventing a runaway event.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The current policy, last revised in 2010, allows students to possess electronic devices during the school day but prohibits their use unless approved for educational purposes.
    Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Roshane Thomas What the data says Once again, West Ham’s hopes rest on the shoulders of their talisman, Bowen.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been in impressive form, led by the brilliance of Jude Bellingham, who has quickly become their talisman with goals from midfield and a commanding presence in big matches.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But with a sizable audience doing research to kill time between installments, the miniseries’ cast boasts an awkward attractiveness that sticks out as oddly inauthentic.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Our research shows that extreme attractiveness might grab attention but can undermine connection, the true currency of the influencer economy.
    Abby Frank, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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