spellbound 1 of 2

spellbound

2 of 2

verb

past tense of spellbind
as in fascinated
to hold the attention of as if by a spell the tale about pirates and their buried treasure had completely spellbound the children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 spellbound
Adjective
Season 3 of Mayfair Witches, starring Alexandra Daddario, will dive deeper into the mythology of witchcraft, introduce new ‘spellbound’ families and feature some of the historical happenings of Salem, the infamous town of witch trials and folklore. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 Usher is still leaving the ladies spellbound on his Past Present Future Tour, with the latest steamy moment involving an older lady and some cherries. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Resist this madness before the unhinged, heartless bully and his spellbound thugs shred our Constitution and our future. Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 The night ended with an electrifying rendition of Huan-zhi Li’s Spring Festival Overture, a thrilling and joyous finale that left the audience on their feet, spellbound, and ready to celebrate. Noel Burgess, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spellbound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spellbound
Adjective
  • Washington had an incredibly charmed run last season en route to piling up 111 points in the standings.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • As Orlean jots down that last bit, Laroche looks shocked—but also a little charmed.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Later, Noone would tell the authorities that Scott had been fascinated by the famed British mathematician Alan Turing, who died by cyanide poisoning, in what was ruled a suicide, after being prosecuted for his homosexuality.
    Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
  • European sailors of that era were fascinated by the rich trading cities of Asia, which had been known from Marco Polo’s travels.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While some fans were thrilled to see the return of a Snapchat filter, matte-lip sporting Jenner, others were less enchanted, calling the reality star out for appropriating Black culture.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Being a character onscreen transports you forever into another, more enchanted realm.
    Susan Orlean, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The political center, occupied by Keir Starmer’s Labour Party and what remains of the moderate wing of the Conservative Party, is the most morbidly mesmerized of all.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Leaders, mesmerized by the power of generative AI and intelligent agents, are trying to fit these technologies into their old playbooks.
    Ajay Pundhir, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The whole place is powered by the magic tears of Muggle-Wumps, apelike creatures whom the Twits keep in captivity and force to stand on their heads for hours on end (there are other fun critters too, such as Alan Tudyk’s backward-talking Sweet-Toed Toad).
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Finally, early in October, the magic message arrived.
    Samanth Subramanian, The Dial, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Participants will explore the magical interplay between the universe and the human body, diving into discussions about creation, consciousness, and how the cosmos mirrors the infinite potential of the human mind.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025
  • But a few setbacks eventually have Kiki doubting her magical ability, until a time of crisis forces her into action and reveals her true strengths.
    Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spellbound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spellbound. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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