duende

noun

dü-ˈen-(ˌ)dā How to pronounce duende (audio)
Definition of duendenext
as in appeal
the power of irresistible attraction even as a child, she had an unmistakable duende that attracted the attention of passersby

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 duende That involved the special forces paying due heed to Indigenous cosmology which suggested a malign shapeshifting being known as a duende was conspiring to hide the children from their would-be rescuers. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025 In some of its most memorable reporting, former host Maria Celeste Arrarás and the team of reporters shared stories of duendes lurking in trees in Central America, brujas voladoras captured on camera by a shaky camcorder, and UFO or alien sightings. — Alex Zaragoza, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2023 Charisma, class, and style all have something to do with duende. — Paul Daugherty, The Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2021 Which means that, for a dancer, duende is not only a mystical inspiration. — Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2019 Krug is no Orr, because no one can recreate that time, that talent that duende, but the winning rush was of near-No. — BostonGlobe.com, 23 Nov. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duende
  1. appeal
  2. charm
  3. fascination
  4. attractiveness
  5. sweetness
  6. attraction
  7. glamour
  8. magic
Noun
  • The verdict is still subject to post-trial motions and possible appeals.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • Plastic appeals to cats because of its texture, sound and smell.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • The amenities at Coligny Beach Park are one of the main reasons why this particular beach is so popular (beyond its natural charm, of course).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • Part of his charm here included playing the stalwart father figure to two terrified kids — someone a child could trust to stick around and keep watch all night when the dinosaurs came chomping.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Definition of charm
Noun
  • But they're all connected by a love for adventure and a fascination with science—they're here to enjoy Lindblad's iconic education component that frequently sets the company apart from other expedition cruise lines.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • Hollywood’s fascination with YouTube creators is going to the next level.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of fascination
Noun
  • The European Commission said the preloading of Gemini onto Android devices reduced the attractiveness of rival third-party models for the 60% of EU adults who use Android.
    — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 17 July 2026
  • As popularized by streamer Clavicular, the movement approaches attractiveness like an engineering problem.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Definition of attractiveness
Noun
  • The offering is completed with a dulce de leche cream and a touch of sea salt that balances the sweetness.
    — Sarah Moreno Updated July 18, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • The cream cheese swirl adds a nice tang to the bread’s sweetness.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 July 2026
Definition of sweetness
Noun
  • This year’s version was beefed up with a few extra attractions to go along with some of the staples which again included the food tent and beer garden, the golf challenge held at Depot Pond and a pet show.
    — David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
  • Best Hotels & Resorts The Junto The Junto, a 198-room independent lifestyle hotel, sits along the Scioto River in the Peninsula, directly across from COSI (the Center of Science and Industry) and within walking distance of downtown attractions.
    — Rafael Pena, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
Definition of attraction
Noun
  • South of Florence, on Tuscany’s Monte Argentario peninsula, Porto Ercole exudes the same timeless glamour as the Amalfi Coast but on a much smaller scale—and sans swells of cruise ship crowds.
    — Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux bring a worldly polish to the lakefront, layering diplomacy, design and old European glamour onto the scenery.
    — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of glamour
Noun
  • Nearby Playa El Limón offers another version of the region’s magic.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • In this in-depth guide from AD, rediscover the importance and magic of Wright’s most famous private residence.
    — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026
Definition of magic

Browse Nearby Words

duels
duende
duenna
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Cite this Entry

“Duende.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duende. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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