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
The adaptive dampers still do a fairly good job of smoothing out the ride on Colorado’s concrete highways, and the Corvette’s other charms remain intact. Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2026 This butter yellow set gets an extra dose of charm with delicate floral accents, creating a soft, cheerful look that’s perfect for easing into the new school year. Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
Pop and soul artist Amber Mark takes the stage next, and is sure to charm curious festival-goers looking for the next Olivia Dean-esque pop crossover. Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 The nascent star has already charmed a devoted fan base of her own with the release of Visitor. Jeff Nelson, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • The excavation, carried out by an Egyptian archaeological mission under the supervision of the SCA, also uncovered pottery coffins, as well as a collection of incense burners, oil lamps, and funerary amulets.
    Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 31 July 2026
  • Supporters hoisted their children toward her or presented her with gifts—amulets, handwritten notes, rosaries, prayer cards.
    Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • This initiative aims to elevate horse racing's appeal to everyday sports fans by fostering rivalries and familiarity among top horses.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • As the one-time mini-mogul stews in the clink, an appeal is fast-tracking its way through the courts.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Hong returned as national team coach in 2024 after a previous spell in charge from 2013 to 2014.
    Reuters, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Recent research has highlighted the role of supply shocks in recessions over a long spell of history.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Source vintage lamps and pendants to banish builder-grade light fixtures and furnish your home with character-rich desks and tables.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 30 July 2026
  • Pros & Cons Aptly named, the LogicMark Freedom Alert Mini is a small wearable medical alert pendant that uses cellular technology to connect you to an emergency response agent with the press of a button.
    John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Wuest was also fascinated by the themes explored by the film, and couldn’t help but notice parallels to our current moment.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The ongoing sagas of Getz and Hoyer, two executives who got their jobs the old-school Chicago way — with no bothersome hiring searches conducted by their bosses — are ones that continue to fascinate me.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Older rural residents often are familiar with senior center staff, and staff possess deep knowledge of local contexts.
    Eric Cerino, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026
  • After Kendall’s defense petitioned for weapons charges to be tried in front of a judge rather than a jury, he was also found guilty of possessing an assault weapon.
    Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Szoboszlai is the firm favourite to be confirmed as Van Dijk’s deputy and, in the absence of their Dutch talisman, the former RB Leipzig midfielder has stepped up impressively during the tour of the United States.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • The judging criteria balanced overall attractiveness and legibility for law enforcement.
    Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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