magic 1 of 2

noun

ˈma-jik How to pronounce magic (audio)
Definition of magicnext
1
as in sorcery
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means he claimed that he could summon a storm through magic

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2
as in deception
the art or skill of performing tricks or illusions for entertainment hired an entertainer to perform magic for their child's 10th birthday party

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3
as in charm
the power of irresistible attraction a leader so charismatic that his appeal was like magic

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magic

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in enchanted
being or appearing to be under a magic spell a magic castle in which even the furniture comes to life

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2
as in magical
having seemingly supernatural qualities or powers truth seekers of all sorts seem to be attracted to this magic spot in the desert

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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 magic
Noun
But Bryan Mbeumo broke the game with a bit of magic inside the first minute after the restart, which gave United the perfect platform to push on in pursuit of a valuable three points on the road. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Now that your toilet bowl cleaner has had time to work its magic, spray the rest of the toilet with an all-purpose cleaner. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
But in some sense, booking the USC band was a sly way of giving away the magic trick, almost. — Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 Designed by Australian magician and magic consultant Adam Mada, the illusions use a fade box where contestants can be seen disappearing and reappearing on the studio monitors in real time. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for magic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magic
  1. sorcery
  2. deception
  3. charm
  4. magical
  5. mystic
  6. witchcraft
  7. deceptiveness
  8. appeal
Noun
  • Now, the sorcery of the dance floor is that this is never happening to only one dancer.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • After graduating, Papadopoulos took classes at Hunter College, bonding with classmates over sword and sorcery movies.
    — Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of sorcery
Noun
  • Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, has highlighted a shift in tactics in museum thefts, from deception and stealth to more aggressive and violent methods.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Although Silo 1 discovered her deception, the rebels clamped the pipe in the knick of time.
    — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of deception
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
Adjective
  • Having spent time with fans in theaters, there really is something magical about bringing that community together.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In January, just days after the Bears’ magical 2025 dream run ended with a playoff loss, Poles was thrilled when Johnson slammed the back cover on that season and ordered everyone to start working for 2026.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of magical
Adjective
  • Such questions, in fact, may not be the right ones to ask about the man variously described as a teacher, philosopher, maverick mystic, and enlightened person.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The piece, inspired by the 12th-century polymathic mystic Saint Hildegard of Bingen, was skin-tinglingly breathy and slow, with long tones (played by Malone and her accompanist Stephen O’Malley) that rose up and swirled around the room.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of mystic
Noun
  • Eclipses, which used to be thought of as magic or even witchcraft, depending on what suited them at the moment, are now understood to be just a function of the Earth's alignment with the sun and moon.
    — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The roughly 25-acre farm is also home to a reproduction of the Salem Village Meeting House, the site of many early hearings about the Salem witchcraft hysteria.
    — Nicholas DeRenzo, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of witchcraft
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    — Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
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

Browse Nearby Words

Magians
magic
magical
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Cite this Entry

“Magic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magic. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on magic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magic

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