duende

noun

dü-ˈen-(ˌ)dā How to pronounce duende (audio)
Definition of duendenext
as in appeal
the power of irresistible attraction even as a child, she had an unmistakable duende that attracted the attention of passersby

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 duende That involved the special forces paying due heed to Indigenous cosmology which suggested a malign shapeshifting being known as a duende was conspiring to hide the children from their would-be rescuers. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025 In some of its most memorable reporting, former host Maria Celeste Arrarás and the team of reporters shared stories of duendes lurking in trees in Central America, brujas voladoras captured on camera by a shaky camcorder, and UFO or alien sightings. — Alex Zaragoza, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2023 Charisma, class, and style all have something to do with duende. — Paul Daugherty, The Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2021 Which means that, for a dancer, duende is not only a mystical inspiration. — Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2019 Krug is no Orr, because no one can recreate that time, that talent that duende, but the winning rush was of near-No. — BostonGlobe.com, 23 Nov. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duende
  1. appeal
  2. charm
  3. fascination
  4. attractiveness
  5. sweetness
  6. attraction
  7. glamour
  8. magic
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
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • Even on busy weekends, the staff are perfectly primed to welcome guests with Southern charm and efficiency.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • It’s paired with Frame’s signature Ritz Cigarette, a low-rise, slim silhouette in a dark indigo wash, finished with pocket embroidery and a removable gold charm keepsake chain featuring hotel emblems.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of charm
Noun
  • Millet’s 2022 novel Dinosaurs also reflects her fascination with long extinct creatures.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Howard said there is still a fascination with FDR more than 80 years after his death.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of fascination
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
Definition of attractiveness
Noun
  • Fragrance shoppers in 2026 are moving away from predictable sweetness, and perfumers say the next wave will trade conventional prettiness for unexpected contrast on the skin.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • That combination of fruit sweetness and mineral edge is a tidy summary of where fragrance is heading.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweetness
Noun
  • The Ritz-Carlton Orlando is a true luxury resort that's located near all the key area attractions.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Final Thoughts The Soundcore Nebula P1's obvious attraction is its sound system.
    — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of attraction
Noun
  • From screenwriter Dan Gilroy and director Joseph Kosinski, Miami Vice ’85 explores the glamour and corruption of mid-1980s Miami in an all-new version of Miami Vice.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
  • For several generations of luxury buyers, Saks was the arbiter of elegance, glamour, and impeccably good taste.
    — Rachel Felder, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of glamour
Noun
  • The a sweet magic of the South that pours into the cup of style, grandeur, and grace.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Jake having this dark magic, with the veins, brings this whole new level of danger to the whole show.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of magic

Browse Nearby Words

duels
duende
duenna
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of inscrutable

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All