charm 1 of 2

Definition of charmnext
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as in amulet
something worn or kept to bring good luck or keep away evil an old cap that I use as a charm for whenever I play softball

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in pendant
an ornament worn on a chain around the neck or wrist a dangling charm in the figure of a horse on her bracelet

Synonyms & Similar Words

charm

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word charm different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of charm are allure, attract, captivate, enchant, and fascinate. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

charmed by their hospitality
her performances captivated audiences

When could allure be used to replace charm?

Although the words allure and charm have much in common, allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

When can attract be used instead of charm?

The words attract and charm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

When might enchant be a better fit than charm?

While in some cases nearly identical to charm, enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

When would fascinate be a good substitute for charm?

The synonyms fascinate and charm are sometimes interchangeable, but fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

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 charm
Noun
The Stoneleigh, Autograph Collection, has reopened in Dallas's Uptown neighborhood with a fresh design blending historic charm and modern luxury. Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 6 May 2026 And yet, Mary can never fully escape the pull of her family, who remain stubbornly resistant to her charms, especially her mother. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
Verb
Geese’s charmed run as one of the buzziest indie rock bands of recent memory will extend at least through early November, as the New York quartet has announced some of its biggest live shows to date in support of its 2025 Partisan album Getting Killed. Spin Staff, SPIN, 23 Apr. 2026 The series first debuted on Prime Video in 2021 and quickly gained a huge following, with viewers charmed by the beautiful scenery and the drama that country living can bring, helped along by Clarkson’s total lack of farming experience. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • There’s an amulet (one of those glowing doohickeys the fate of the cosmos hangs on), and your heart may sink every time someone starts chattering about it.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 6 May 2026
  • Sharp objects like scissors and needles or amulets should be carried by pregnant women or placed near sleeping children to ward off her attacks.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • Beyond the affable urgency of his demeanor, there are other reasons for Attenborough’s unfailing appeal.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • The court is considering an appeal of a lower-court judge’s ruling that the amendment is invalid because lawmakers violated procedural requirements.
    Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • With the help of her talking dog and an adorable lemon named Squirt, Edith sets out to find the last remaining fairy who might be able to break the spell.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
  • The wand, which is made of milk chocolate and has wood-like details with the same look as Harry’s weapon, also comes with a wizard spell sheet so fans can teach themselves magic.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • When rummaging through a jewelry box, look for brooches, pendants, and rings.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The lounge, entered via a courtyard, is anchored by a large alabaster pendant lamp suspended above a hefty marble table topped with glossy green apples.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Precious artifacts have been recently unearthed from the site that fascinates scholars worldwide.
    Sharon Chin, CBS News, 1 May 2026
  • We were fascinated by a broader trend — covered locally by the Chicago Sun-Times and nationally by outlets including CNBC and The New York Times — of people turning the humble 1040 into a form of civil disobedience.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The indictment charges each individual with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, officials said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Officials define crime guns as firearms that have been stolen or are illegally possessed, have been used in a crime, or are suspected of having been used in a crime.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Nottingham Forest’s talisman followed up his recent 20-point haul with another double-digit return in his team’s 5-0 win over Sunderland on Friday night.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • In the dying days of the Russian Empire, highborn ladies would willingly cut the dirty fingernails of the peasant Grigori Rasputin and then sew the clippings onto their dresses like sacred talismans.
    Gerard DeGroot, Air Mail, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But despite his rugged defense, his injury history might limit his attractiveness to potential trade suitors.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 4 May 2026
  • This illustrates how Leo could strengthen the attractiveness of AWS, which is already the company’s profit engine.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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