1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
a smart and beguiling child who can manipulate her parents with alarming ease
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in misleading
tending or having power to deceive
the beguiling allure of a life of crime
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in fascinating
to attract or delight as if by magic
the magician effortlessly beguiled and amazed the children
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2
as in deceiving
to cause to believe what is untrue
beguiled her into believing that yet another worthless item would enhance her life
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3
as in tempting
to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage
was beguiled by the promise of easy money as a drug dealer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of beguiling
Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
There’s a beguiling dissonance between the hushed voiceover and the images of ships carrying cables and dropping them in the ocean for the internet to reach the island.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026
The results of all those frames are beguiling slow-motion shots that show just how close riders’ body parts are to touching the pavement while leaning during turns.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beguiling
Adjective
After a 2025 tour of her native Japan, the beguiling singer-songwriter returns to North America and Europe in 2026 to level up her ever-growing itinerary behind the revelatory Luminescent Creatures.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
There’s a beguiling dissonance between the hushed voiceover and the images of ships carrying cables and dropping them in the ocean for the internet to reach the island.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
Approximately 170 miles north of downtown San Francisco, Fort Bragg is a remote coastal city in California, beloved for its native redwoods, beguiling bluffs and beaches, and overall sense of tranquility.
—Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026
The results of all those frames are beguiling slow-motion shots that show just how close riders’ body parts are to touching the pavement while leaning during turns.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beguiling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beguiling
Adjective
-
There’s arguably no one better placed to collaborate with VFX artists on a motion-capture performance than Serkis, who’s delivered innocence, cunning, cruelty, longing, and kindness in roles that run from Golum to Caesar to King Kong himself.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
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As Michael moves into solo stardom and makes cunning business moves, the film captures how his seemingly naive idealism was also a form of ambition.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the misleading context and language, 46% of Virginians voted against the amendment.—
Gary Franks,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
-
Suggesting that law enforcement needs to monitor the movements of the entire population to solve crimes is both misleading and historically false.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.—
Glenn Peoples,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
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Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Her The Wife nods and supports, all knowingly without deceiving the emotional truths of the narrative.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
-
Swalwell apparently did an excellent job deceiving those around him, including some congressional and campaign staffers who’d known him for years and worked closely with the seven-term lawmaker, day in, day out.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But if the promise of these sights wasn’t tempting enough, Airbnb has a number of jaw-dropping listings that allow travelers to enjoy the country with a more immersive experience—like the opulent Villa Il Cigno, located directly on the shores of Lake Como.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Apr. 2026
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Too rich for my blood, but tempting nonetheless.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The clothes were cute, though, if not a little costumey.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
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This adorable cloud pillow shows Harry’s iconic lightning bolt scar and is a seriously cute addition to any fan’s collection of memorabilia.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Charted on an outdated seating map weeks before the official on-sale date, these deceptive listings falsely suggested the performance was almost sold out.—
Lori Dimun,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
-
There is a broader issue of manufacturers selling dangerous products and promoting them with deceptive advertising to lure youth into using their dangerous, ineffective products.—
Jad Abdel Nour,
Hartford Courant,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Her suggestion is that Mike try to repair his mistake by charming the guests and asking them not to say anything to Tyler.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, while charming your money sector, Venus will clash with Pluto in your 11th house of society (April 3), creating friction or tense conversations with friends around finances or self-worth.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Beguiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beguiling. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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