charm 1 of 2

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

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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

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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
With dramatic scenery, Native culture and small-town charm, Ketchikan is one of Alaska’s most memorable and meaningful destinations. Alia Beard Rau, USA Today, 10 June 2026 Whether captivating viewers with his effortless charm or displaying an emotional depth that belies his humorous quips, London Brown has carved out a space as both a dramatic force and an undeniable comedic standout. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 June 2026
Verb
The right idea needs more than charm to hold up. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2026 Roth was free to charm, wink, and flash that high-wattage grin, while the singers amplified the old Halen harmonies. Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • The debut feature from Guillermo del Toro, Cronos tells the story of an older man (Federico Luppi) who discovers a mystical amulet that gives him a more energized, youthful demeanor — at a cost.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
  • The cache also contained blue faience vessels, miniature ritual jars, amulets shaped like a duck and the Atef Crown, decorative stones, and several pairs of earrings believed to be made of gold.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • From a fantasy perspective, Ronaldo’s appeal is straightforward.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 11 June 2026
  • Businesses with national or broad-market appeal tend to attract the strongest investor interest.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • At first, this meant performing the same pattern over and over again to cast the same fire spell against monsters.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 11 June 2026
  • The notoriety has tripled business for the store, which offers a wide range of services including magical advice, custom spell crafting, psychic readings, healing sessions, classes, events, clergy services, ceremonies and more.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • This kitchen is classic with gray countertops, silver pendants, and white Shaker-style cabinets.
    Lauren Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
  • Hamilton is seeing demand for diamond pinky rings, pendants and unconventional designs featuring mixed gemstones, asymmetry and unexpected stone settings.
    Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Because people's feelings, passions, and motivations have always fascinated me.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 12 June 2026
  • By the time Jackie arrived at Buckingham Palace for her first meeting with the Queen in June 1961 during her husband's presidency, she had long been fascinated by royalty.
    Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Its security analysis assumes a worst-case scenario in which an attacker may possess quantum correlations with the detector itself.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
  • The 23-year-old from Michigan, who claimed his first Cup Series victory in April, possesses a combination of talent and confidence that attracts a fervent following.
    Time, Time, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Only Lionel Messi scored more (eight) than the Bayern Munich winger (seven) during South American qualification and Diaz is the talisman for his country, who has goal and assist-threat in abundance.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 11 June 2026
  • Paths to the World Cup Haiti’s talisman and top scorer, Duckens Nazon, was born in a Parisian suburb and played with a series of French professional teams before being recruited to the English team Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017.
    Laurent Dubois, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Ryan Murphy and Matthew Hodgson’s satirical body horror saga about the production of a drug that increases physical attractiveness with deadly consequences takes place in the rarified worlds of high fashion in a world that’s somehow even more image obsessed than our own.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 June 2026
  • Decades later, research continues to find that attractiveness influences hiring decisions, salaries, legal outcomes, and perceptions of competence.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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