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
  • An appeal, on the other hand, can only consider evidence that’s already in the record and is typically filed when a defendant is questioning a judge’s decision.
    — Alex Brizee July 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
  • At the same time, Ghana and other African nations have made more deliberate appeals to descendants of the diaspora through citizenship, residency, tourism and investment initiatives.
    — Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • Nestled at the base of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth captures the Old World charm of a European alpine village with its wooden Bavarian architecture, German food like brats and schnitzel, and even its own Oktoberfest.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Dix was a baseball prodigy too cocky and flashy for his own good who now coasts through life on his long-ago heroics coupled with charm and an undeserved diet of luck.
    — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of charm
Noun
  • That interest grew into a deeper fascination with Japanese history and culture.
    — Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • By rejecting the myth of beginning again and the idea that endings are inherently meaningful, Luiselli highlights the fascination of the middle.
    — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Definition of fascination
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
Definition of attractiveness
Noun
  • The former brings rich, caramel notes, while the latter adds a lighter, floral sweetness that complements orange zest, cardamom, and cinnamon.
    — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The rum is there for body, the brandy gives an oaky texture, the orgeat a floral, nutty sweetness, and the orange thins it out and helps mask the strength.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of sweetness
Noun
  • The Sun in your sign opposes Pluto in your 7th House of Partnership, bringing intensity to agreements, attraction, conflict, and the way others respond to your confidence.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • As big of an attraction as the course is at Kukui’ula, sustainability is front-and-center around the 1,010-acre property.
    — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of attraction
Noun
  • From Madame Grès and Gianni Versace to today’s couture runways, designers have long looked to Grecian legacy — including draping, sculptural silhouettes, metallic finishes and goddess glamour — as the ultimate inspiration.
    — Alex Badia, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
  • Now Belafonte is holding Carson’s microphone himself, exuding gravitas and glamour.
    — Joshua Jelly-Schapiro, Vanity Fair, 21 July 2026
Definition of glamour
Noun
  • Caribenya’s magic, and Pimienta’s real achievement, is a record that beautifully slips through your fingers.
    — Maria Nenet Barrios, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026
  • The fourth star and a fairytale send off for Lionel Messi earned through lots of grit, fighting spirit and a bit of magic evaporated into the East Rutherford, New Jersey, air.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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