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 Irresistibly magnetic, the film captures the band’s enchanting music and the deep bond between its members. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025 Irresistibly magnetic, the film captures the band’s enchanting music and the deep bond between its members. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025 Instead, the show will enchant audiences on West 57th Street in the old Lee’s Art Shop building. Sharareh Drury, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025 Vara, like many of her readers, is both enchanted by the web and disgusted with the companies that control it. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enchant
Verb
  • The concept fascinated me—creating designs and selling custom products without needing to manage inventory.
    Sarim Nadeem, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
  • Hobbyist diver Dom Robinson has spent the past three decades exploring shipwrecks, which have fascinated him since childhood.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Today, Rotterdam possesses one of Europe’s most robust migrant populations.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • The re-tasking of U.S. naval ships assigned to the western Pacific theater comes as China—now possessing the world's largest navy by hull count, with more than 370 vessels—expands its military reach and presence in the region, attempting to challenge American naval dominance.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Curry was charmed by Edwards’ inner Antness, that combination of swagger and soul that has All-NBA players like Randle, Towns and Gobert enthusiastically giving in to his gravitational pull.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Here’s a two-in-one shelf and coat rack that oozes charm thanks to the playful scalloped detail outlining each hook.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Extreme weather linked to climate change could spell financial ruin for many American homeowners and lead to billions in losses for lenders, a new study finds.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 19 May 2025
  • There’s no scoreboard, nor a need to repeatedly spell things out.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Will the new level of EV functionality even entice GM to end the ban of CarPlay in electrics?
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Google and eBay are ramping up technology to help brands and sellers entice consumers.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Those moments, perhaps more than anything else, can bewitch one's body and soul.
    Sharareh Drury, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Lady Gaga’s bewitching single provided the perfect level of drama and energy to this epic showdown, with both queens leaving it all on the floor.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Previous videos showing young kids reacting to dads getting new haircuts, and one of a wife responding with shock to her husband shaving, have delighted the internet before.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025
  • And two and a half centuries later, Jane’s stories continue to delight readers and inspire creators like Hornby and Langan.
    Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • The thriller tells the story of a dental hygienist who is seduced by a mysterious mermaid into the dark and wet underworld of Florida’s exotic animal trade.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 9 May 2025
  • The film centers on a dental hygienist seduced by a mysterious mermaid into the dark and wet underworld of Florida’s exotic animal trade.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enchant. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on enchant

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