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 ban remains in force, with the Supreme Court scheduled to hear a further appeal early next month.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In the appeal, the Cubs will be ready to counter these and other potential arguments.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • But, for me, the softer spotlight on HABIBTI has been part of its charm all along — and highlights the risk in releasing three albums at once.
    — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Classic loafers and chunky socks lean into the slightly offbeat charm.
    — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of charm
Noun
  • But spectators may come for the theater of death itself, drawn by fascination with what human beings can do to one another.
    — Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The design also nods to Schlumberger’s fascination with textiles.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of fascination
Noun
  • On the other hand, higher Fed rates typically bolster the attractiveness of dollar assets, exerting depreciation pressure on local currencies.
    — , CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The rankings were based on student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of attractiveness
Noun
  • The sweet potato gives the dough heft and earthy sweetness—plus a beautiful hue.
    — Hali Bey Ramdene, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Chocolate moelleux and tropical sorbet, both elevated with a flavoured crumble (cardamom and lime, respectively) finished off the meal with a satisfying hit of sweetness.
    — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweetness
Noun
  • Next weekend should offer a clearer picture of whether Universal has created another enduring genre attraction or simply convinced millions of people to show up for an exceptionally good commercial.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Brother Save Us) are set to star in Spaceship Earth, the new Disney+ pilot inspired by the Disney World EPCOT attraction of the same name.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of attraction
Noun
  • For glam, the actress’ hair was styled with a side part and coiffed in an homage to Old Hollywood glamour by stylist Renato Campora, with makeup by artist Hung Vanngo.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • At that time of ‘50s postwar glamour, the Roman jeweler was rapidly growing in popularity, with the Via Condotti boutique welcoming the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of glamour
Noun
  • Kelly Clarkson is feuding with a magic and games store in Brooklyn, New York, claiming she was treated rudely after inquiring about a product, according to social media posts shared over the weekend.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • This process included buying a physics-defying piece of furniture that without aid of magic could toggle between both a bed and sofa — something called a futon.
    — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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