Definition of charmnext
1
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

2
3
4
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

2 of 2

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
But in an age where AI-assisted writing is becoming increasingly ubiquitous, the distinctly unpolished text has its own charm. — Quanta Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026 Grammy voters will have a hard time not falling in love with Dean’s charm. — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
Norway’s Erling Haaland, who charmed the world during this summer’s tournament, has more goals for club and country at 26 than either Messi or Ronaldo had at the same age. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Even—perhaps especially—for a Beltway outsider, ascending the American political ladder requires a tremendous amount of glad-handing and personal magnetism, if not charm. — Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for charm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm
Noun
  • Additional discoveries include scarabs inscribed with the names of kings and deities, together with amulets for protection, fertility, and strength, reflecting the political and religious structures of the time.
    — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The Rahvi lights, meanwhile, are adorned with jewelry-like amulets of semiprecious stones.
    — Sean Santiago, Architectural Digest, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Stories about the British Royal Family have enduring international appeal.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Just suffice it to say that both of their projects have broad cross-generational appeal, although Dean’s timeless grooves might be more squarely in the pocket for older voters, whereas Rodrigo has a dad-rock factor going for her.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Malhotra, one of India’s most experienced execs and producers, launched Abundantia back in 2013 after exiting a role as COO of Viacom18 Motion Pictures and a shorter spell leading Balaji Motion Pictures.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • There's a fittingly witchy gift shop filled with all sorts of tchotchkes and collectibles, including spell books, tarot cards, cups for reading tea leaves, and a selection of history books.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Custom cabinetry wraps around the large windows, and Art Deco pendants illuminate the two central islands.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Gerlach’s wife, artist Brody Reiman, created a ceramic pendant cast from an afghan the husband’s grandmother knitted for him.
    — Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The trailer promises fascinating new characters, like one man who lives on a sailboat for most of the year.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The world was fascinated by mummies, but that did not lend itself to reverence.
    — Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 29, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Schmitt’s staff said the senator did not possess any texts that referenced Clark.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 2026
  • When new, concrete possesses a thin, temporarily protective layer that, if not maintained, will wear away, exposing the interior, which gradually crumbles.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The polished green tourmaline of her Bulgari choker shone like some kind of enchanted talisman.
    — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Believers wore them on strings around their necks as talismans against illness and injury.
    — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • On the other hand, higher Fed rates typically bolster the attractiveness of dollar assets, exerting depreciation pressure on local currencies.
    — , CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The rankings were based on student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Charm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charm. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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