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
Rooms Thanks to a semi-recent renovation in 2018, The Coonamessett’s 29 rooms and suites capture all the charm of Old Cape Cod with none of the ghosts. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026 The ballet flats are offered in light pink with tonal trim and blue and white gingham with brown trim, with both pairs featuring dainty bows and gold Larroudé charms. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 July 2026
Verb
Compact room sizes may necessitate some creative luggage arranging, but you’ll likely be too charmed to care. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026 Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia’s shining light, also helped charm France into giving its support. Sean Gregory, Time, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • Supporters hoisted their children toward her or presented her with gifts—amulets, handwritten notes, rosaries, prayer cards.
    Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 23 July 2026
  • Also represented are smaller artifacts, including beads, amulets, and incense burners.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • An appeal, on the other hand, can only consider evidence that’s already in the record and is typically filed when a defendant is questioning a judge’s decision.
    Alex Brizee July 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
  • At the same time, Ghana and other African nations have made more deliberate appeals to descendants of the diaspora through citizenship, residency, tourism and investment initiatives.
    Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • Before joining Newcastle, Howe coached Bournemouth over two spells, either side of a season with Burnley.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • France became the first World Cup winner to then also win the Euros during this incredible two-year spell.
    Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • Circadian scores translate your body’s 24-hour internal clock into a daily readout, and a wave of rings, pendants and apps is racing to make that clock visible on your wrist.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026
  • There’s jewelry, pendants, pens, bracelets, watches…Will all those things pan out?
    Sam Jacobs, Time, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • The concept of responding to a thing or prompt would fascinate Forti all her life.
    News Desk, Artforum, 29 July 2026
  • After all, what are the pirate-ship kitchens Bourdain recounts early in Kitchen Confidential if not a more dangerous, adult version of the juvenile hijinks that have always fascinated Johnson?
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Corporate security departments, private intelligence outfits and investigative services possess powerful tools, including data access, surveillance capabilities, global networks and advanced tradecraft.
    David Niccolini, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Phelps and Dixon were also charged with conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
    Nathan Pilling July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • Texas was missing their talisman Eric Oncins, and his replacement Rafa Hewett did just enough to get his team to the DreamBreaker.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Spain’s talisman was Lamine Yamal, its nineteen-year-old right winger, who plays the game with bleached tips, implausible speed, and nonchalance, but its superego was Rodri, the team’s central midfielder and captain.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • The list compiled 300 cities of varying sizes across 22 factors of market attractiveness, affordability and quality of life.
    Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • The same actions that increase a business’s attractiveness to buyers also improve efficiency, strengthen profitability, reduce risk and create more freedom for the owner today.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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