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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
  • Only someone very comfortable, or very dishonest, would pretend the fantasy has no appeal.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The friendly service, comfortable rooms and downtown location give it wide appeal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • The state is sizable—447 miles long from north to south and 361 miles wide from east to west—which gives you all the more reason to return again and again to uncover more of its charms.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Even her handmade orchid bag charm has piercings that feel true to the time.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of charm
Noun
  • The Ouze The Ouze’s sleek-meets-rugged aesthetic presented during London Fashion Week stemmed from founder Tony Vernon’s fascination with antique and heirloom jewelry that has been worn and appreciated over time.
    — Virginia Corneli, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Hogan builds the film around audiences’ fascination with the true crime documentary format before steering the narrative into unexpected supernatural territory.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 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
  • It was seasoned generously (served with a lime for a little sweetness), packed with flavor and was the perfect size to balance the behemoth empanada.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Patchouli, incense, and sandalwood add a darker, woodsy depth, while red fruits bring a touch of sweetness.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of sweetness
Noun
  • The blob continues to satisfy our attraction to organic shapes and spectacle and looks incredible on our Instagram feeds.
    — Sam Lubell, Curbed, 21 Sep. 2026
  • There’s this weird attraction to potential violence and knowing that you’re safeguarded from it.
    — Anusha Praturu, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of attraction
Noun
  • Photographed by Ethan James Green, Vogue, October 2026 For model Leticia Hall, bombshell glamour looks like a slithery, sparkling cutout Gucci gown from resort 2027.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The proof had been hiding in an Instagram gallery posted months earlier by a swimsuit model and friend of the bride, nestled among glamour shots and lifestyle photos.
    — Alex Mierjeski, ProPublica, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of glamour
Noun
  • The final snap the Chiefs took Sunday won them a football game, a 33-30 overtime victory against the Colts, with the kind of late-game magic reminiscent of some pretty good years for the organization.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But whereas The Holdovers’s Paul Hunham despises his lazy, pampered students, The Debut’s Jerry Blankenbuehler has a determination to summon theatrical magic out of his meager cast.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 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 28 Sep. 2026.

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