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 Kermani says she was fascinated by the Joe Hill short story of the same name that her feature is based on. William Earl, Variety, 11 July 2025 And they will be fascinated to see whether last season’s captain, Nelson Semedo, currently a free agent after his contract expired at the end of June, is back in the old-gold shirt. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 July 2025 And while the author isn’t a fan of Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial 1955 novel or the titular character, there is one literary figure that does continue to fascinate Aciman. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 25 June 2025 Long fascinated by the moa, Jackson and Walsh have been collecting bones of the extinct bird for years. Degen Pener, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fascinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fascinate
Verb
  • For six months, President Trump tried to entice Putin to the table.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2025
  • Culinary delight often begins with a visual feast that entices people to indulge in delicious flavors.
    Molly Peck, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • In this enchanting new adventure, Princess Tiana brings her whole community together for a spectacular parade.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 11 July 2025
  • Here's to the tracks with enchanting bridges, haunting vocals and vault tracks have felt like secret letters.
    Bryan West, The Tennessean, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Use LinkedIn’s alumni search to find people in industries or roles that interest you.
    Jill Tipograph, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Sign up here and bet $5 on Mariners-Yankees, Mets-Orioles or any other matchup that interests you, and get $150 in bonus bets credited to your account if your initial wager wins.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Every year, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale delights shoppers with its unbeatable selection of stylish and well-made apparel, and this year is no exception.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2025
  • Haze: Filled with pineapple flavor, this hazy beer delights the senses with vibrant tropical fruit notes from its hop blend and natural pineapple puree.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Paramount Global co-CEO and Showtime/MTV Entertainment president Chris McCarthy was thrilled with the viewership numbers.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
  • Fans will no doubt be thrilled to see the actors share the screen once more — but Turner wants everyone to be prepared for a dynamic that's a tad different.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • This move is sure to intrigue and inspire marketers and business professionals alike.
    Andrew Faridani, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Olympia’s ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the firm’s head (Beau Bridges), is intrigued by Matty and her clever skills.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The beautiful light is captivating her in a place where her mind is unravelling.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • Beanie Babies captivated consumers in the mid-1990s.
    Michelle Chapman, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • June’s inflation data came in broadly lower than expected, marking a sharp turnaround from the stagflation concerns that gripped the market in the first quarter.
    Benzinga, Freep.com, 19 July 2025
  • Reviewers love the non-slip foam material and beveled edges that make gripping easy even with sweaty hands.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fascinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fascinate. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fascinate

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