enchant

Synonym Chooser

How is the word enchant different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of enchant are allure, attract, captivate, charm, and fascinate. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

Where would allure be a reasonable alternative to enchant?

The synonyms allure and enchant are sometimes interchangeable, but allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

When is attract a more appropriate choice than enchant?

The meanings of attract and enchant largely overlap; however, attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

How do charm and captivate relate to one another, in the sense of enchant?

Charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

charmed by their hospitality
her performances captivated audiences

In what contexts can fascinate take the place of enchant?

The words fascinate and enchant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

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 enchant Paqueta became the league’s great entertainer — his repertoire of nutmegs, through balls and insouciant celebrations enchanting supporters in the Rhone Valley and beyond. Jack Lang, New York Times, 31 July 2025 Pisces: Jeannie Jeannie aligns with Pisces, known for their free spirit and an enigmatic aura that enchants all others. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 26 May 2025 Insider tip: Step into a fairytale at 12th-century Thun Castle, then wander Thun’s enchanting Old Town and lakeside Schadau Park—home to a Gothic Revival castle that’s a national treasure. AFAR Media, 18 July 2025 Over 3,000 Amazon reviewers give this enchanting light setup five stars for its IP65 waterproof rating, radiance, and affordability. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for enchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enchant
Verb
  • Growing up in the tiny town of Kingston, Minnesota, population less than 200, Tanner had always been fascinated by extreme weather.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The president is known to be fascinated with the sport, having attended three UFC events since his election in November.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The question of who ultimately possesses the authority to impose tariffs has remained the key to those who wish to challenge the tariffs, with an 11-judge panel appearing unconvinced that Trump can bypass Congress on the issue, particularly when looking at the IEEPA.
    Peter Aitken Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
  • No football player, including Underwood himself, strives in Pop Warner to possess his unique skill.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Once Venus enters Leo on Aug. 25, the love planet will charm your eighth house of intimate affairs and emotional bonds, heightening your desires and longings.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The cat's clumsy adventure quickly charmed viewers who recognized the mischievous nature of felines.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Coach Pat Shurmur spelled Manning with Jones in Week 1 at the end of a blowout road loss at Dallas.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Their cases often hinge on translating thousands of pages of complex medical records into legal arguments - work that can spell the difference between a family’s financial collapse or survival.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As investors dissect the offering (and as Figma’s stock settles back a bit, falling 27% on Monday), an equally important set of questions are in the air: Will Figma’s debut entice other startups to jump into the fray, bringing an end to the tech industry’s IPO drought?
    Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025
  • With the current economic slowdown, will the Live Local law entice more developers to build workforce housing?
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Unsettling and lovely at once, this horror novella is a razor-sharp and bewitching fairytale about discovering the darkness in the world, as well as the darkness within oneself.
    Kalie Cassidy July 25, Literary Hub, 25 July 2025
  • Found 700 light-years away in the shoulder of the constellation Orion and visible with the naked eye, Betelgeuse has bewitched skygazers throughout human astronomy.
    Robin George Andrews, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Double dry-hopped with Simcoe, Edward delights those who enjoy hop aromas and flavors without a pronounced hop bitterness.
    Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The intimate space features a black-and-white checkerboard floor, vintage touches like a pink phone booth and pastry cases stocked with buttery delights.
    Bahar Anooshahr, AZCentral.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • South Park's season 27 premiere drew a response from the White House after the series depicted Trump attempting to seduce Satan.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Giselle, one of the oldest story ballets, has two parts: In the First Act, Giselle, a young peasant girl is seduced by Albrecht, a nobleman in disguise.
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enchant. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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