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
From $399 per night. Perks: Rooftop, close to Waverley train station, wellness studio Fans of Gleneagles were thrilled when the storied countryside brand brought its rural Perthshire charm to the city in 2022. Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2025 Luckily, this linen option from Quince has all the charm of a typical flocked dress, plus the reliable quality the brand is known for. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos charm at the New York premiere of Running with the Wolves, which documents their ownership of an Italian soccer club on July 23. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 28 July 2025 Once Venus enters Leo on Aug. 25, the love planet will charm your eighth house of intimate affairs and emotional bonds, heightening your desires and longings. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • Among the subjects of the projects are a teen threesome in North Macedonia that leads to a troublesome pregnancy, a shipwreck hiding a sacred amulet on the Atlantic coast of the Sahara, a crumbling blue bus in 1950s Turkey, and mysterious aunt in rural Serbia.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
  • There are also equippable amulets that offer passive and combo-specific bonuses.
    Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • There's got to be a better system that will see all these appeals through quicker.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Despite those convictions, Daybell has filed an appeal in Arizona, arguing misconduct and judicial prejudice and is scheduled to appear virtually from Idaho while serving her life terms.
    Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Pamela is a self-effacing free spirit whose honesty and abandonment cast a spell on the embittered Wendall.
    Rance Collins, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Similar, long-duration heat was seen in northern Norway and Sweden, and the longevity of this event set it apart from previous periods/spells of hot weather in this region.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace Wear this stunning necklace with a rose quartz pendant on its own, or layer it with other accessories.
    Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Typically, cords hang like pendants from one thick primary strand.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Growing up in the tiny town of Kingston, Minnesota, population less than 200, Tanner had always been fascinated by extreme weather.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The president is known to be fascinated with the sport, having attended three UFC events since his election in November.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Pigs possess proteins and genes sufficiently different from humans to trigger rejection.
    David A. Brenner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The kidnappers possess a compromising video involving her and her stepson, Matheo, threatening to release it if Vivienne helps Abigail.
    Time, Time, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The latter’s status as the most important creative figure in this Forest side, their talisman, is not under threat.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The artists used materials such as calligraphy, amulets, talismans, prayer beads and cloth, and combined them with techniques from modern painting and sculpture.
    Massumeh H. Toosi, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • From the Rhine’s romantic bends past half-timbered villages and Gothic cathedrals to the Danube’s imperial sweep through Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava—each voyage is a sensory mosaic of medieval history, fine European cuisine, and enchanting culture.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Mingle with enchanting wizards, witches, elves, fairies, princesses and dragons.
    Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

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