Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of fascinate are allure, attract, captivate, charm, and enchant. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

When could allure be used to replace fascinate?

The words allure and fascinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

When is attract a more appropriate choice than fascinate?

The meanings of attract and fascinate 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 are the words charm and captivate related as synonyms of fascinate?

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

When would enchant be a good substitute for fascinate?

While the synonyms enchant and fascinate are close in meaning, 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

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 fascinate The basketball world is tuned in, fascinated by the answer. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025 Briana, fascinated with her feet, often took off her socks while Rochelle studied but never lost one because of her nana’s keen eye. Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025 None has fascinated me as much as fraudsters. Snigdha Poonam, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025 The English Wikipedia is now roughly 93 times bigger than Encyclopædia Britannica, the shelf-warping print leviathan that fascinated him as a child. Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fascinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fascinate
Verb
  • Africa’s leading banking groups are targeting DR Congo, enticed by one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies and the promise of a lucrative mining sector, despite the ongoing conflict in the country’s east.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • There were questions swirling over whether Nintendo’s Switch 2 would be different enough from its predecessor to entice users.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Even the most incredulous of us listened to him describe the visions of fleeting stars that were enchanting enough to swoon the most beautiful people on this poor Earth.
    Big Think, Big Think, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The sun was in Scorpio, presenting an enigmatic film that enchants others.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • These books can feel obstinate in their refusal of pleasure—an approach that does not seem to interest Berman in the slightest.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Click on the parlay hub or go to and individual matchup that interests you to find popular options.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Nancy Bernstorff and Terri Lopez, both from Ramona, said they were delighted by Truett’s artwork.
    Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The buttery shortbread dough, coated twice in powdered sugar, creates a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s sure to delight.
    Macie Stump, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Dana Hills overcame a 20-point deficit to beat Aquinas of San Bernardino in a thrilling 27-26 win in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs Friday at Dana Hills High.
    Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The explosive trailer showcases the series’ signature elements including witty dialogues, high-octane action, thrilling chases and the blurred lines between Srikant’s personal and professional life.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Cardiologists are intrigued, but cautious.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Although he was married at the time, Lennon immediately was intrigued by Ono, and the two eventually became inseparable creative partners for the rest of his life.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Visitors are instantly captivated by Tbilisi’s ancient churches, winding cobblestone streets, and vibrant balconies that paint the city in color and history.
    Essence, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Since tying the knot, she’s continued to captivate online with her daily opulence.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Canada was gripped by the World Series last month and early in November as the Blue Jays, the country’s only MLB team, came agonizingly close to upsetting the Dodgers juggernaut.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The raccoon, who had wrapped both paws around the cone and whose legs gripped the bottom of the cone, eventually slipped off and fell back into the water, just as DeLeo got close to pulling him to safety.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fascinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fascinate. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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