as in charmed
being or appearing to be under a magic spell
spellbound audiences never tire of this annual Christmas favorite
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Adam L. Rovner, The Conversation, 31 Oct. 2025
When the supermodel was introduced to French cosmetic doctor Jean-Louis Sebagh in Paris, France, she was spellbound by his revolutionary approach to age maintenance, which utilizes the extract of the rare Charentais cantaloupe.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
People who use generative AI are often spellbound that the AI seems to be correct and seemingly always on target.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Yet even casual, low-adrenaline Arches visits can leave you spellbound.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spellbound
Adjective
Kingly legacy Isaacs was equally spellbound by the Zulu.
—Adam L. Rovner, The Conversation, 31 Oct. 2025
When the supermodel was introduced to French cosmetic doctor Jean-Louis Sebagh in Paris, France, she was spellbound by his revolutionary approach to age maintenance, which utilizes the extract of the rare Charentais cantaloupe.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
People who use generative AI are often spellbound that the AI seems to be correct and seemingly always on target.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Yet even casual, low-adrenaline Arches visits can leave you spellbound.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spellbound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spellbound
Adjective
-
In Uptown Girls, Molly (Murphy) lives a charmed life as the daughter of a deceased rockstar who left her everything, until her greedy wealth manager skips town with all her money.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2026
-
In the process, what long seemed like an angel on their shoulder — the charmed Chiefs — morphed into their nemesis.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That classic capitalist disconnect — the alienation of the worker from their labor — fascinated him, and gave him the confidence that his premise would have universal resonance.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
-
This is Taymor’s first production to embark on a national tour, and she’s been fascinated by the range of audience responses.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For the Marc Jacobs show, which is always an NYFW standout, Fox channeled an enchanted doll come to life with a head full of thick, glossy, bouncy curls and lavender-gray makeup to mimic the color of her sheer catsuit and satin bra top.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
10 Feb. 2026
-
There are a ton of family-friendly activities in the village, including sledding, tubing, an enchanted forest, and an ice rink.—
Brent Rose,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Olympic fans on social media were mesmerized by the artwork.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Prepare to be mesmerized by Yosemite’s renowned landmarks—El Capitan and Half Dome—as well as Yosemite Falls, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls.—
Giovanna Caravetta,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
My magic chariot at that time had been a large tour bus – of the kind that proudly promised 11 countries in 10 days.—
Patti Nickell,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
-
My encounter with the screenwriter, Efthimis Filippou was really magic.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This traveling oddities festival features artists, vendors, performers, educators and guest speakers, all working to create a macabre and magical experience for attendees.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Haroun has conjured rich elements of the magical free world, but hasn’t managed to follow through with a compelling narrative.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spellbound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spellbound. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
