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
Then, as on Saturday, Taylor’s performance exuded charm and warmth, joy and pathos, heartfelt emotion and seamless craftsmanship. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025 These small towns offer outdoor adventure, downtown charm, and family-friendly fun. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025
Verb
But the art of the pond skim doesn’t have to be executed thousands of feet above sea level to charm the ski pants off a crowd. Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025 This historic property exudes charm with its warm, inviting interior design that blends contemporary elements while honoring its vintage phone company roots. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • In what is now China, fish carved from jade were worn as amulets, hanging like pendants, as far back as 10,000 B.C. in the Neolithic Age, according to Carol Michaelson, a research curator in the British Museum’s Asia department.
    Melanie Abrams, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The amulet was found near the Tel Azka site, which has regularly yielded archaeological matter.
    Alex Greenberger for ARTNews, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The initiative aims to boost Japan Inc.’s appeal to both foreign and domestic investors.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 May 2025
  • The importance of this immediate appeal of right provided by the UPEPA to a losing UPEPA movant is thus illustrated.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Goalkeeper Begovic returned to Everton last summer, having had a stint with the club between 2021 and 2023 and making 10 appearances across both spells.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Not in the books or in the spells that characters cast.
    Remington Miller, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Owens opted for an all-white Deji & Kola suit with blue accents — including a white gold Margot McKinney Atlantic pendant featuring a 119.44ct aquamarine, a South Sea pearl and several diamonds — and accessorized with a white fur cape and black cane.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 8 May 2025
  • But cross necklaces and pendants have been in vogue before and may be again as some feel more comfortable embracing their faith and seek community with others.
    Misty White Sidell, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The concept fascinated me—creating designs and selling custom products without needing to manage inventory.
    Sarim Nadeem, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
  • Hobbyist diver Dom Robinson has spent the past three decades exploring shipwrecks, which have fascinated him since childhood.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • The re-tasking of U.S. naval ships assigned to the western Pacific theater comes as China—now possessing the world's largest navy by hull count, with more than 370 vessels—expands its military reach and presence in the region, attempting to challenge American naval dominance.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • Today, Rotterdam possesses one of Europe’s most robust migrant populations.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • The real Hong-rang climbed a hanok wall in an attempt to remove the talisman, but slipped and fell.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 16 May 2025
  • Initials and the brand’s Eye of the Tiger motif—a design with roots in Ottoman Empire and Eastern philosophy is a modern talisman for strength and vitality—motif can also be added to bags.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Wolfgang Petersen's poignant take on The NeverEnding Story might slightly lack the depth and sophistication of its source material — Michael Ende's expansive fantasy novel — but the result is still enchanting escapism, with effects and tricks that hold up pretty well.
    Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 10 May 2025
  • This enchanting Moroccan city is ready for its close-up.
    Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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