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 Carmen, that beguiling Andalusian beauty created by a 19th-century French writer and afterwards made legendary by artists of different nationalities—in opera, dance, and film—continues to fascinate. Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025 The things, people, and places that grab ahold of our heart and actually do change the direction of our life fascinate me. Outside Online, 23 Apr. 2025 Whether you’re fascinated by the British royal family or curious about dynasties in Japan, Egypt, or Russia, True Royalty TV covers it all. Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025 Rather than being terrified or trying to kill her, Ravi is fascinated by her unusual condition. ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fascinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fascinate
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
  • Wolfgang Petersen's poignant take on The NeverEnding Story might slightly lack the depth and sophistication of its source material — Michael Ende's expansive fantasy novel — but the result is still enchanting escapism, with effects and tricks that hold up pretty well.
    Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 10 May 2025
  • This enchanting Moroccan city is ready for its close-up.
    Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Take a class, join a book club, volunteer with a school or nonprofit, join an exercise group, find activities that interest you and give an opportunity to socialize with others.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
  • After the George Floyd protests of 2020, Akil noticed an increase of young Black people talking about the microaggressions in their private, white institutions, which shocked and interested her in equal measure.
    Jazmine Hughes, Vulture, 2 May 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
  • And that authenticity shows on screen, with a bounty of classic cars and thrilling racing sequences.
    James Mercadante, EW.com, 20 May 2025
  • Ward, incidentally, was thrilled that the Titans signed his former UM teammate, receiver Xavier Restrepo, as an undrafted free agent.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • If you’re still intrigued by waterbeds, consider going to Pittsburgh to try one out before purchasing!
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025
  • He’s particularly intrigued by an actress who has a real-life boyfriend, but can get into a character enough to feel something like love in a fictional scenario.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • All about sustainable beauty, fashion, design, and wellness Since it was first unveiled at picturesque Taormina, Sicily in 2012, Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda shows have proven to be the most exclusive, and visually captivating of all fashion spectacles.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • But Jacob’s heart is with Rachel, whose beauty has captivated him.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • South Sudan, where these latest deportations reportedly occurred, remains gripped by conflict and instability.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
  • Picture this: the roaming hills of a pastoral land or the grandeur of an enormous palace gripping the attention of an audience.
    Sara Smith, Variety, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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