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
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
Still, it’s got some zippy charm, particularly in the kitchen, where delft-blue tiles line the backsplash above the electric-blue Kucht oven and burners, plus the starred maroon and faded floral wallpapers lining the bedrooms upstairs. Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2025 All the fashion experts—including Hailey Bieber—have surrendered to their charm. Isabel Serra, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
Now, Mitchell prepares to charm the rest of the world with Ludwig: the first two episodes drop on BritBox on March 20, followed by one new episode weekly until April 17. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025 Set your bag charm aside and accessorize your tote with a bandana instead. Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • The amulet was found near the Tel Azka site, which has regularly yielded archaeological matter.
    Alex Greenberger for ARTNews, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Other stones surrounded the amulet, but this one stood out, her older sister said.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The independent from Vermont and undisputed leader of the American progressive movement raised $11.4 million, while spending only $1.3 million to prime the pump with digital appeals.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Reflection and Commentary By reflecting on memories through a combination of nostalgic ocean art and Western art and engaging the viewer by commenting on societal issues and environmental concerns, Nathan’s work demonstrates significant appeal.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His sole Premier League appearance came against Manchester City nearly four years later and his career has included loan spells with Lincoln City, Peterborough United, MK Dons and Rotherham United.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The company's manifesto unabashedly promotes the tool as an aid to cheating and likens its arrival to inventions like calculators, spell checkers, and Google.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The diamond bar would look great paired with an LBD, while the pendant makes a perfect graduation gift for her.
    Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025
  • From brooches and pendants to lipstick tubes and panthers mid-pounce, the most intriguing watches today come in unlikely shapes and sizes.
    Kimberly Richardson, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Rather than being terrified or trying to kill her, Ravi is fascinated by her unusual condition.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Emery was fascinated by former Real Sociedad striker Roberto Lopez Ufarte, analysing the specific movements and craftsmanship in his game.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Williams possesses huge arms (34 3/8 inches) and a giant wingspan (82 7/8 inches).
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons, and any military escalation could lead to catastrophic consequences.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Raphinha’s renaissance may have been stealing all the headlines, but Lewandowski is still Barcelona’s talisman.
    Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Naturally, the Liverpool fanbase is calling on the board to give the talisman his dough, whatever the salary.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Others, many of them kids enchanted by this new trilogy of sci-fi adventures, were excited to return to Lucas’s extravagant universe.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Irresistibly magnetic, the film captures the band’s enchanting music and the deep bond between its members.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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