Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of fascinate are allure, attract, captivate, charm, and enchant. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

When could allure be used to replace fascinate?

The words allure and fascinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

When is attract a more appropriate choice than fascinate?

The meanings of attract and fascinate 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 are the words charm and captivate related as synonyms of fascinate?

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 would enchant be a good substitute for fascinate?

While the synonyms enchant and fascinate are close in meaning, 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

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 fascinate Usha Vance scares and fascinates so many liberals, especially women and Indian Americans. Sanjena Sathian, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025 That battle—for freedom of the person and of the mind—fascinated me while writing The Trouble of Color. Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025 Humans have long been fascinated with narwhal tusks. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025 What fascinates me the most is the tension between opposites—the space that forms between two elements that are distant yet intimately connected at the same time. Felicity Carter, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fascinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fascinate
Verb
  • Numerous observers believe the Bay Area could begin to see an economic lift from the rush into artificial intelligence, a fledgling field that has enticed investors and fueled startup activity.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025
  • And there are plenty of people out there to entice, given that the majority of Americans these days aren’t regular moviegoers.
    William Earl, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • From enchanting floral arches to elegant bouquets and charming table runners, this wedding décor can infuse your special day with the essence of spring.
    Christopher Murray, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Her body is discovered on the shoreline and she is buried by fishermen after they are enchanted by her beauty.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Encourage your student to reach out to local professors or professionals in fields that genuinely interest them, rather than focusing solely on prestigious summer programs with low acceptance rates.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • What interests me with AI is the uncontrollability.
    Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Make Time for Tea Next door, Draper Blooms Tea Garden delights with a formal tea service that features scrumptious finger sandwiches, vanilla scones, seasonal jams, and bite-size sweets, like brownies and breads.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Gentle Great Dane Meeting New Baby Brother By Alyce Collins Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 A toddler's adorable bond with his Great Dane companion has delighted the internet, showing that every boy needs a four-legged friend.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • So, going to Netflix was a huge challenge, and that was also thrilling.
    Lacey Rose, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The experience of being in a fresh environment was thrilling.
    Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But she was intrigued by Mayor Garner’s claim that an earnings tax could help Wyandotte County finally do away with the unpopular PILOT surcharge that gets added onto utility bills.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Folsom’s animal sanctuary intrigued me because of its mission not to breed, sell or trade animals, but instead, enrich their lives.
    Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If its gorgeous landscapes and historic, atmospheric streets captivate filmmakers, they’re guaranteed to enchant travelers looking for a visually spectacular and culturally rich destination.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025
  • For years, Black women have been quietly shaking up the fragrance space, crafting avant-garde, thought-provoking, and captivating scented art.
    Martine Thompson, Essence, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • An idea may grip you when Venus retrograde aligns with Pluto.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Week in Review Asian equities were mixed for the week as the U.S. recession fears gripped the region.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fascinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fascinate. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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