DUENDE Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

duende

noun

dü-ˈen-(ˌ)dā

Definition of duende

as in appeal

the power of irresistible attraction even as a child, she had an unmistakable duende that attracted the attention of passersby

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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

Noun

The visits tend to energize the base ahead of the midterms and may also broaden congressional candidates’ appeal.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026
In its 35th season, DWTS continues to evolve while retaining the particular mix of spectacle, competition, and camp that gives it a cross-generational appeal.

— Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of appeal

Noun

Set the scene On rugged John’s Island 40 minutes outside of Charleston, Auberge’s Lowcountry debut deftly centers the coastal charm of the South Carolina sea islands—the second most bioactive habitat in the world, after only the Amazon Rainforest.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
Despite its grand title—the capital of the USSR—the city of my youth held little charm.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of charm

Noun

Participants in these programs show a grassroots love of learning history and a fascination with the past.

— Nora Oakes Howard, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
The ’90s — its music, its films, its pre-social-media privacy — has become an object of fascination, and Long argues the era can’t be imitated or counterfeited.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascination

Noun

The Results Great Value’s Cream Cheese won consistently high marks across all of our editors’ tastings for its balance of sweetness, tartness, and saltiness.

— Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026
High heat draws out moisture and intensifies watermelon’s sweetness, and the rub creates additional caramelization for even deeper flavor notes.

— Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of sweetness

Noun

Best of all, its central Old Town location puts Duval Street and many of Key West’s restaurants, bars, and attractions within easy walking distance.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
Researchers have long recognized that humor can grab attention, deepen social connection, and build attraction.

— Norbert Schwarz, Harvard Business Review, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of attraction

Noun

Mackie was a Southern California native and embraced the idea of Hollywood movie glamour as a young child, inspired by Technicolor musicals.

— MARK KENNEDY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
Arca — a nonbinary trans woman who makes uncategorizable music and embodies unquestionable glamour — anchors her divahood in a mutation of body, soul and sound.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of glamour

Noun

Jackson provided his usual magic that’s turned him into a two-time league MVP, perhaps none more obvious than his 16-yard scramble in the first quarter.

— James Boyd, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Midcentury-modern design—and the moviemaking magic of Lucas himself.

— Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of magic

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duels

duende

duenna

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“Duende.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duende. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of duende

noun

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