fascination

noun

ˌfa-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce fascination (audio)
Definition of fascinationnext
as in appeal
the power of irresistible attraction the fascination that the subject of dinosaurs has for most children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 fascination Nothing if not original, Werner Herzog’s Bucking Fastard casts Kate and Rooney Mara as Irish sisters who speak, think and move in unison, an impressive feat of disciplined acting that exerts its own peculiar fascination. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 McDonagh also told the audience that part of his inspiration for telling the story was his fascination with the CIA and the fate of the Chilean government under Salvador Allende. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026 The film grew out of Herzog’s fascination with British twins Freda and Greta Chaplin, who became tabloid fodder in the 1980s after a neighbor was granted a restraining order against them. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026 The Avalanches are turning their fascination with the detritus of modern life into something unusually expansive. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fascination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fascination
  1. appeal
  2. attractiveness
  3. charm
  4. attraction
  5. allure
Noun
  • Tarkowski slid in from behind to stop a certain goal, with United’s penalty appeals waved away.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Such contradictions, that cats can be both domesticated and yet somewhat feral, is part of their appeal, says comedian Drennon Davis, whose four cats have found internet fame via his short-form videos.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • The rankings were based on student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The list of 500 schools was compiled by the magazine and data research firm Statista, Schools were given a score based on their student outcomes, learning environment and their attractiveness to students.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of attractiveness
Noun
  • Today, times are good for the city of 17,000 thanks to its big businesses, small-town charm and engaged citizens, Mayor Chris Pimentel told The Times.
    — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Whether the actor is improvising or sticking closely to the script by Miles Hubley and Tommy White, Wilson’s talent and experience maintain the charm of a character who practically talks nonstop but in other hands could simply be obnoxious.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of charm
Noun
  • But perhaps playing Mona has reignited her attraction to the stage.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 7 Sep. 2026
  • One of the biggest attractions before kickoff was Pitt's pregame parade.
    — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of attraction
Noun
  • The overall allure of these islands is much more than the individual attractions, however.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026
  • With higher ticket prices and more competition — not only with other touring bands but with the allures of home comforts — audiences need a bigger draw.
    — Emma Madden, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of allure

Browse Nearby Words

fascinating
fascination
fascism
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Cite this Entry

“Fascination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fascination. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fascination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fascination

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