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
  • While not guaranteed, the appeal is likely to be taken back up by the same three-judge appellate panel who previously heard — and rejected — the administration’s emergency request to block state officials from counting the ballots.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Nasdaq's growing appeal stems in part from revisions to its index inclusion mechanisms and listing rules implemented earlier this year.
    — , CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • As is the case with all of OTC’s previous music, part of the charm is its swirling ambiguity, but this time there’s additional poignance in the backstory.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2026
  • From the Shoeboxes to the larger Popular Rooms and Suites, all accommodations boast high ceilings and original windows that add to the building’s Victorian charm.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of charm
Noun
  • The teenage activist who followed liberation movements around the world still has a fascination with foreign policy.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In college, Behrens studied education but developed a fascination with politics and was president of Hartford’s student government.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of fascination
Noun
  • Anwar is trying to highlight Malaysia’s attractiveness to tech and AI companies, in particular by highlighting the country as a neutral and non-aligned home for investment.
    — Jay Ganglani, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026
  • On the other hand, higher Fed rates typically bolster the attractiveness of dollar assets, exerting depreciation pressure on local currencies.
    — , CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of attractiveness
Noun
  • Each forkful moves in waves of char, smoke and caramel-vanilla sweetness.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The sweetness is still there, but the higher proof brings greater depth and richness.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweetness
Noun
  • As in many of the attractions, he’s based on a real person who experienced certain events.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The oversized drum shade is the main attraction here, giving this floor lamp a little extra presence.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of attraction
Noun
  • Beyond the glitz and glamour, Daniel Besharat, whose family owns City Spa, says the bathhouse has always been home to a wide range of immigrants.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • But according to his friends and supporters, Gadi Eisenkot’s lack of glamour is exactly what Israel needs.
    — Yarden Segev, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of glamour
Noun
  • For The Times) Grandparents sitting in the football bleachers offer moments of magic at high school football games.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • But their luck evaporated in the desert, where the Diamondbacks discovered some magic of their own.
    — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 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 Nov. 2026.

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