variants or ensorcel
as in to possess
to cast a spell on a dense, dark forest that is the scene for many a tale in which some unsuspecting traveler is ensorcelled by a witch or wizard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 ensorcell With its slow turn toward inanity, the sketch also satirized the romantic tolls of war and the ease with which dissatisfied citizens can be ensorcelled by demagogues. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2019 Featuring a young girl casting a spell over the object of her affection, tarot cards and love potions come into play as the juvenile witch dresses up maturely to meet her ensorcelled date. Tamar Herman, Billboard, 12 Jan. 2018 The poems leapt off the page: ungoverned, astronomical, astrological, indigenous (but from where?), witty, ensorcelling, and brave. Lucie Brock-Broido, The New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensorcell
Verb
  • The current rule allows each team a chance to possess the ball even if the first team scores a touchdown during the extra period, which is 10 minutes long.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The other team then gets a chance to possess the ball under the same set of circumstances.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Late last night, the Detroit Tigers struck first in the ALDS with a 3-2 win in extra innings against the Seattle Mariners.
    Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • In the show, Gein strikes Henry with a piece of wood, then drags his body into the woods and stages a brush fire to explain Henry's death.
    JR Radcliffe, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That's the highest of this term and could spell potential trouble at the ballot box in next year's midterm elections, particularly with prices of many goods still high.
    Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
  • With surreal flourishes and bursts of absurdity, filmmaker Milagros Mumenthaler casts a beguiling, dreamlike spell that delicately examines motherhood, class and identity.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Dazzled by his older brother’s newfound status as a media sensation, Sheen decided to try acting, too, and was immediately enchanted by the cinematic qualities of being a celebrity.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2025
  • But to truly understand what enchanted the Fitzgeralds—and continues to allure visitors—go beyond the hotel and explore Antibes.
    Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Napoli’s coach cursed the fates.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Actress and comedian Heather McMahan stepped down as emcee for the Ryder Cup after she was heard heckling and cursing at golfers during the championship game over the weekend.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ensorcell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensorcell. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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