spellbound 1 of 2

adjective

ˈspel-ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce spellbound (audio)
Definition of spellboundnext
as in charmed
being or appearing to be under a magic spell spellbound audiences never tire of this annual Christmas favorite

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
The Final Painting fittingly has a contemplative tone, with slow, spellbound songs that seem both off-the-cuff and profoundly lived in. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 31 July 2026 The ecstatic scenes across the country after a Mexico win, most notably in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, the three host cities, paint the picture of a nation spellbound by its football team. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 1 July 2026 The town was spellbound over this horrific murders. — Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026 The result was a strangely spellbound life. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spellbound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spellbound
  1. charmed
  2. fascinated
  3. enchanted
  4. mesmerized
  5. magic
  6. magical
Adjective
  • Susanna was pleased, quite charmed, in fact, with this Platonically flavoured analysis.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Since then, Cregger has gone on one of the most charmed runs of any filmmaker in town.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of charmed
Verb
  • Marcin Kierwiński, Poland's interior minister, said there were indications the suspect was fascinated by far-right ideology, according to Reuters.
    — Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Was that something that that fascinated you, creating a story where the main characters don’t actually understand each other?
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of fascinated
Adjective
  • Stepping inside the Tea House is like walking into an enchanted forest with its historic wooden walls, beautiful antique furnishings, and flowery accents.
    — Heather L. Whitley, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The ballroom seemed alit by some enchanted flame as season 35’s eight remaining couples hit their best steps inspired by Disney classics.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of enchanted
Verb
  • Whizzing up and down the hills of San Francisco, I was at once mesmerized by the steering wheel turning on its own and a bit scared of the occasional jerk and sudden stop.
    — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Fielder himself is reluctantly mesmerized, initially with the unlikely nature of the project — who on earth invites a film crew into their home mere days before Mommy goes to prison?
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of mesmerized
Adjective
  • Touches of surrealism—or even magic—in author-illustrator Jimmy Liao’s detailed artwork add intriguing layers to the story.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Two kids chase a magic key to prevent their friend, who uses a wheelchair, from being forced out due to broken elevators.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of magic
Adjective
  • Sayers holds that mark at 22 with 14 rushing touchdowns, six receiving, one punt return and one kickoff return in that magical 1965 season.
    — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Of course, this project is an invitation to add more magical beings to the MCU and explore the Strange-adjacent side of it.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of magical

Browse Nearby Words

spellbinds
spellbound
spelled
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Cite this Entry

“Spellbound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spellbound. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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