Synonyms of spell

spell 1 of 2

noun

1

as in curse

a spoken word or set of words believed to have magic power

the witch cast a spell that turned the prince into a toad

Synonyms & Similar Words

• curse
• incantation
• sorcery
• invocation
• magic
• enchantment
• conjuration
• abracadabra
• bewitchment
• charm
• glamour
• hex
• whammy
• witchcraft
• jinx
• cantrip
• amulet
• talisman
• wizardry
• necromancy
• voodoo
• conjuring
• witchery
• mojo
• voodooism
• fetish
• phylactery
• bewitchery

2

as in bout

a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder

a dizzy spell that caused me to fall

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bout
• attack
• case
• seizure
• access
• siege
• turn
• fit
• pang
• spasm
• recurrence
• relapse
• breakdown
• frenzy
• convulsion
• agitation
• eclampsia
• collapse
• brainstorm
• prostration
• paroxysm
• throe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• relief
• arrest
• remission

3

as in while

an indefinite but usually short period of time

come rest a spell

Synonyms & Similar Words

• while
• space
• bit
• span
• stretch
• season
• minute
• day
• instant
• second
• lapse
• moment
• split second
• era
• twinkle
• trice
• interlude
• epoch
• jiffy
• nanosecond
• interval
• twinkling
• infinity
• shake
• beat
• interim
• spurt
• wink
• flash
• heartbeat
• eternity
• perpetuity
• intermission
• age
• eon
• jiff
• New York minute
• eyeblink

spell

2 of 2

verb

ˈspel 

1

as in to possess

to cast a spell on

it was as if he had spelled the public into believing his ridiculous claims

Synonyms & Similar Words

• possess
• curse
• strike
• enchant
• charm
• hex
• bewitch
• seduce
• tempt
• overlook
• ensorcell
• jinx
• attract
• lure
• voodoo
• mesmerize
• captivate
• entice
• beguile
• fascinate
• spellbind

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bless

2

as in to mean

to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind

that summertime combination of hot temperatures and equally hot tempers can spell trouble

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mean
• signify
• denote
• imply
• indicate
• intend
• import
• express
• symbol
• suggest
• explain
• infer
• symbolize
• specify
• mention
• amount (to)
• represent
• point (to)
• add up (to)
• refer (to)
• touch (on or upon)
• instance
• signal
• hint
• embody
• cite
• personify
• announce
• allude (to)
• connote
• proclaim
• designate
• elucidate
• intimate
• declare
• advert
• insinuate
• epitomize

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of spell

Noun

He is enchanted by the spinning itself, and even by his own enchantment – a spell that breaks the instant the top stops in his hand. — Stacy Keltner, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026

Just after the illustration of the Devil is a collection of three spells to cure disease and fever and two magic formulas for catching thieves. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Verb

If tensions are ratcheted up, that could spell bad news for oil prices, bond yields and future inflation — all potential headwinds for equities. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026

Unfortunately, both changes spell serious trouble for manatees and our precious waters. — Elizabeth Neville, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Phrases Containing spell

• spell out