enchant

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of enchant are allure, attract, captivate, charm, and fascinate. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," 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

Where would allure be a reasonable alternative to enchant?

The synonyms allure and enchant are sometimes interchangeable, but allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

When is attract a more appropriate choice than enchant?

The meanings of attract and enchant largely overlap; however, attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

How do charm and captivate relate to one another, in the sense of enchant?

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

In what contexts can fascinate take the place of enchant?

The words fascinate and enchant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 enchant The masque, performed by gentle spirits, enchants the betrothed. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 Viewers on TikTok were enchanted by the adorable baby goats in the clip. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025 Bern, Switzerland This enchanting Swiss city is recognized for its commitment to eco-friendly practices and green living. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 Mallorca, the largest of Spain's enchanting Balearic Islands, has typically been synonymous with bucket-list beaches and opulent Spanish villas. Shea Peters, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for enchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enchant
Verb
  • In 1956, an aspiring young actor named Gene Hackman joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California, struggling to find a way into a field he’d been fascinated with since childhood.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But Dan Hurley has a profound personal story & I was fascinated by how his holistic behind-the-scenes approach & volatile coaching style made Gen Z kids champions.
    Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Sky still possess the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft in addition to a pick swap with the Connecticut Sun in 2026.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Her formula for entrepreneurial success also relies on the trait that many risk-taking business founders possess: embracing fear.
    Alexandra Ferreyros, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, he’s charmed by the place and the people in this airy rom-com directed by Mark Waters.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Switch games are rarely the most visually astounding on a technical level, although developers often work near-miracles with smart art direction, crafting worlds full of wonder and charm.
    Matt Kamen, WIRED, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Athletic’s analysis spells it all out in stark fashion.
    Phil Hay, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Harris’ entry could spell bad news for the current field of Democrats, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, state schools chief Tony Thurmond, former state Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and businessman and philanthropist Stephen Cloobeck.
    Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Trying to keep up with breakneck advances in medical technology and the demands of a public troubled by additives like food dyes, the agency enticed scores of midcareer specialists with remote roles and the chance to make a difference in their fields.
    Christina Jewett, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The Libra moon entices you to entertain fresh options.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The black comedy’s 2018 predecessor stars Kendrick as a widowed mommy vlogger who becomes bewitched by the chic and mysterious Emily, another mother at their kids’ school.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Greenland, an icy land whose rugged landscapes are bewitching, wants to attract more tourists, a paradox for a territory that is particularly vulnerable to global warming and whose geographical isolation means that many people have to take planes to get there.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • An adorable video of a Chihuahua who loves to floss has delighted the internet, as TikTok users can't get enough of his love of dental hygiene.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The store has delighted Sacramentans for decades with its abundant decor and offbeat merchandise, from novelty items like fake mustaches and rubber chickens to staples like candles and cookware.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacramento Bee, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Cruz, 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' (2009) Woody Allen's romantic comedy stars Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson as friends who travel to Spain and are seduced by a local painter (Javier Bardem).
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Cookbook authors suggested preparing French food at home to seduce a lover.
    Rachel Hope Cleves / Made by History, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enchant. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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