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
Other paintings and drawings are reproduced through embroidery, embossing and enameled charms, which adorn decorative chains. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026 The comments drew the ire of the president, and upended the charm offensive by Berlin toward the White House. — Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
Guadagnino kicked off his career thanks to his ability to charm movie stars. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 7 Sep. 2026 There’s something about the delicate strap detail that continues to charm fashion lovers and serves as the perfect footwear that’s both nostalgic and totally modern. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • Additional discoveries include scarabs inscribed with the names of kings and deities, together with amulets for protection, fertility, and strength, reflecting the political and religious structures of the time.
    — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The Rahvi lights, meanwhile, are adorned with jewelry-like amulets of semiprecious stones.
    — Sean Santiago, Architectural Digest, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Only someone very comfortable, or very dishonest, would pretend the fantasy has no appeal.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The friendly service, comfortable rooms and downtown location give it wide appeal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Already this year, multiple counties and towns have declared local emergencies as a spell of powerful tropical storms from the Pacific generated high surf that eroded local beaches.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • An accident disrupts the ritual, and Keigetsu, thrown off balance, sees her spell spiral out of her control, sending the two women back into each other’s bodies.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Ancient mythology supplies the characters; Victorian adornment supplies some of the collection’s more curious accessories, including pill pendants, potion vials and keepsake holders.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Swift, 36, styled a Chiefs graphic tank and acid-wash jeans with a gold chain pendant designed by Catbird, per Page Six.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • At this time last year, many were fascinated by undrafted rookie free agent Brady Cook.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • But the darker side of humanity has always fascinated me, as do mystical practices.
    — Ashley Woo, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Nabutsilili, 45, said he was possessed by the rainmaking spirit as a 14-year-old boy when his legs mysteriously developed wounds.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Guzman was also charged with possessing a device for using, injecting or ingesting drugs, according to the complaint.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • After Alexander Isak’s bitter exit a year previously, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and, most alarmingly, Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle’s captain and talisman, pushed to move elsewhere during the off-season.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • And your neighbor’s rooster that heralds the dawn every single morning is actually a living talisman of protection.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • On the other hand, higher Fed rates typically bolster the attractiveness of dollar assets, exerting depreciation pressure on local currencies.
    — , CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The rankings were based on student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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