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

Building a free-flowing, attack-minded squad was the priority, but Keegan’s appeal stretched beyond the dressing room.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Few properties capture this boutique appeal quite like the Greek Revival estate Ashford Acres Inn, originally constructed in 1858.

— Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026

Definition of appeal

Noun

Their signature farmhouse look imbues it with a certain bucolic charm, and all their products are hand-forged in Charleston, South Carolina.

— Clara Hillis, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026
Cassidy is first shown tentatively reconnecting over an Italian meal with Craig (Peter McDonald), a DI who, on the surface, appears to be full of Irish charm.

— Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

Definition of charm

Noun

As Sparrow prepared to open the installation, ARTnews spoke to the artist about her fascination with the everyday and the role of nostalgia in her work.

— Lilyanna D'Amato, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026
Christopher Nolan’s fascination with time is one of the defining themes of his films.

— Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of fascination

Noun

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
The same actions that increase a business’s attractiveness to buyers also improve efficiency, strengthen profitability, reduce risk and create more freedom for the owner today.

— Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of attractiveness

Noun

Grilling brings out the sweetness in cherry tomatoes, which pair beautifully with the smoky flavor of planked salmon.

— Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 25 July 2026
According to Bulleit, ’87 opens with aromas of caramel and brown sugar followed by baking spices and oak, finishing with a combination of sweetness and rye spice.

— Emily Price, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of sweetness

Noun

Located near Inverness, Cabot Highlands offers 36 holes, lodging, and access to other golf courses and Highland attractions like Loch Ness.

— Zach Schenfisch, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
The main attraction here is the Old Lincoln County Courthouse, where Kid made his last daring escape from jail and killed two deputies in the process.

— Allison Savage Bates, Denver Post, 19 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

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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 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of duende

noun

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