Definition of enchantnext

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 Carol is alternately enchanted and frustrated by her husband’s innocence and altruism, which led him to his not particularly remunerative career as an interpreter. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 July 2026 Generations of visitors to the Okefenokee Swamp have been enchanted by its rich wildlife, black waters and cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Drew Kann, AJC.com, 20 July 2026 Clark’s Elioak Farm, at 10600 Clarksville Pike, has a lot to offer in addition to its Enchanted Forest features that have truly enchanted kids for decades. Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026 Theron plays the nymph Calypso, who keeps Odysseus enchanted on her island for seven years. Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for enchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enchant
Verb
  • But the darker side of humanity has always fascinated me, as do mystical practices.
    Ashley Woo, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
  • As Oppenheim put it at the film’s Venice press conference, he’d long been fascinated by Hansen, and only became more so after his wife gifted him a Cameo from the host for his birthday.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But while Maye is a more polished passer than Allen was through three seasons, Allen still possesses a level of dominance no one else has replicated.
    Jeff Howe, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • With All-Pro tight end Bowers serving as the centerpiece alongside Michael Mayer and wideout Tre Tucker, the offense possesses far more execution upside than last fall—all while Mendoza develops behind the scenes.
    David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Despite the unnerving tone of the actor’s questions, I was charmed.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Dumas watched, charmed, his arms encircling his wife’s shoulders, and accepted an ice-cream sundae in a silver parfait cup.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The rise of the fallcation doesn’t necessarily spell the doom of the summercation.
    Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The Colts were just one touchdown drive away from knocking off the Texans in the regular-season finale and securing a postseason berth, but an errant pass from Minshew on fourth-and-1 spelled the end of their season.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The country is one of Europe’s quickest growing AI markets, and major AI and big tech corporations such as Microsoft and TikTok have already pledged billions in investments into Finland, enticed by its growing role in Europe’s AI economy.
    Joshua Hong, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Rashford enticed the Ukrainian, then drove past him on the outside, further beating Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the area, forcing James Tarkowski to slide in to concede a corner.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Even sequels and prequels — say, those in the Star Wars canon — ideally aspire to a degree of self-sufficiency in which the audience can discern the story and, properly bewitched, can proceed to seek out the other movies.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026
  • For birdwatching in colder climates, the Highlands of Scotland are endlessly bewitching.
    Lydia Swinscoe, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That opening-day land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom delighted families for 28 years, but officially closed in February 2026 to make way for an entirely new Tropical Americas land.
    Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Contrary to its name, this vista is sure to delight the foliage-minded among us.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Ricki is charismatic but not otherwordly; if anything, the fact that James is able to seduce or threaten without appearing to do much at all is what makes Ricki extra formidable.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Or if leadership got seduced by silhouette, movement and atmosphere, neglecting to marry the galleries to the overall concept.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enchant. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster