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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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

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
Recent updates, meanwhile, introduced contemporary design codes for a seamless blend of historic charm and contemporary living that’s perfectly suited for both relaxed family life and large gatherings. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2026 Visit stretches of sand like Cape Drastis to view the island's dramatic cliffs that disappear into turquoise waters; head to Rovinia Beach for its secluded charm and white pebble shores; and stop at Porto Timoni for a truly breathtaking view. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
Who wouldn’t be charmed by her? Sam Reed, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2026 These captivating Southern tales will charm kids—and adults—with their sweet stories and imaginative illustrations. Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • The text also suggests wearing amulets that bring blessings and aid the transference of consciousness.
    Jue Liang, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026
  • My friend keeps the amulet for protection and leaves the rest of the kit for burning.
    Jennifer Pak, NPR, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • After an appeal of those terms, the arbitrator issued the decision to reinstate Moran on Wednesday.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The older two initially resist their parents’ appeals to immerse themselves in nature, but the youngest, who is mute, explores the area and finds a magical tree inhabited by a group of extraordinary characters.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The median spell of unemployment is now about 2½ months, with the average much longer — about six months.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The Russo family will return for one last spell-binding iteration of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • One of those items was a pendant containing her brother’s ashes.
    Meghan O'Brien, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Middleton accessorized her look with a simple diamond cross pendant and a pair of gold and pearl Cassandra Goat earrings, first spotted in 2018 at little Louis’ christening.
    Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The cause of brain freeze fascinates neurologists and Slurpee lovers alike, and the science behind it is especially captivating.
    Julia Daye, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Despite being so vocal, Cudi still retains a mystique quality that fascinates fans.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In Paris, the Museum of the Prefecture of Police possesses just a guillotine blade, while the closest thing on view at the Carnavalet Museum is a two-foot-tall model guillotine and a pair of dangly brass guillotine earrings.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The robotic characters break free from their restaurant resting place to cause chaos in town, while the villainous Marionette pops up to possess victims for her own nefarious purposes.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Hunt for singular treasures at Queenstown Market, a pop-up Saturday affair with 40 or so waterfront stalls stocked with handmade crafts, such as greenstone pendants, the traditional Maori talisman carved in symbolic shapes for protection, prosperity or friendship (from 149 dollars).
    New York Times, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026
  • He was not only named Fan of the Game, but he was shown on the videoboard several times during the rest of the game, igniting a huge ovation every time and establishing himself as the team’s new talisman.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • These factors include the high price of gold before the war, the relative attractiveness of other low-risk assets and a mixed record of living up to its safe-haven status.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • South Park and North Park, not wealthy neighborhoods, gained in attractiveness and value over decades because working people bought old houses, fixed and maintained them.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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