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 Pop music is enchanted with electric guitar this year between the Charli XCX and Olivia Rodrigo rock albums. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026 At first spritz, you’re instantly enchanted and uplifted by sparkling, tart notes of pomelo and yuzu. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026 Only one kilometer in length, Étretat Beach is a location that enchanted major painters, like Eugène Delacroix, Camille Corot and Claude Monet, who depicted the setting in dozens of works. Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for enchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enchant
Verb
  • At this time last year, many were fascinated by undrafted rookie free agent Brady Cook.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • But the darker side of humanity has always fascinated me, as do mystical practices.
    Ashley Woo, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Nabutsilili, 45, said he was possessed by the rainmaking spirit as a 14-year-old boy when his legs mysteriously developed wounds.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Guzman was also charged with possessing a device for using, injecting or ingesting drugs, according to the complaint.
    Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Norway’s Erling Haaland, who charmed the world during this summer’s tournament, has more goals for club and country at 26 than either Messi or Ronaldo had at the same age.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Even—perhaps especially—for a Beltway outsider, ascending the American political ladder requires a tremendous amount of glad-handing and personal magnetism, if not charm.
    Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 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
  • While Bryan the Medical Courier may not be a marquee attraction, Abrams plays his bumbling so hilariously yet relatably that some kids may be enticed.
    Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Once inside the warehouse, shoppers tend to linger, enticed by a potent cocktail of comforting routine, retail adrenaline and cheap eats.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The result is a strange, bewitching experiment in autobiography, in which there are no friendships or love affairs, just exquisite digressions on life-changing texts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Chief among them was the beautiful, bewitching Tina, muse of everyone at the hipster startup magazine Léo once helped edit.
    Jay Weissberg, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Joy has done nothing but delight us, so a villain Gen shall become.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Here, misfits are welcome, and bric-a-brac is part of the appeal; the wonderfully bizarre name and devil-may-care attitude have been confusing (and delighting) first-timers for more than 70 years.
    Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Adva Lavie, an OnlyFans model, already is facing criminal charges in Los Angeles County for allegedly seducing and stealing from rich men.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Many have taken up such invitations, seduced by the island’s stress-free, go-slow rhythm.
    Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enchant. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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