spellbound 1 of 2

adjective

ˈspel-ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce spellbound (audio)
Definition of spellboundnext
as in charmed
being or appearing to be under a magic spell spellbound audiences never tire of this annual Christmas favorite

Synonyms & Similar Words

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spellbound

2 of 2

verb

past tense of spellbind
as in fascinated
to hold the attention of as if by a spell the tale about pirates and their buried treasure had completely spellbound the children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 spellbound
Adjective
The ecstatic scenes across the country after a Mexico win, most notably in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, the three host cities, paint the picture of a nation spellbound by its football team. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 1 July 2026 The town was spellbound over this horrific murders. — Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026 The result was a strangely spellbound life. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025 The waxing and waning of the substorm conditions fuel auroras all night, keeping us spellbound for hours. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 17 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spellbound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spellbound
  1. charmed
  2. fascinated
  3. enchanted
  4. mesmerized
  5. magic
  6. magical
Adjective
  • Since then, Cregger has gone on one of the most charmed runs of any filmmaker in town.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
  • For years, Coventry had lived a charmed life in the top flight, pulling off a few dramatic escapes either side of a glorious FA Cup success in 1987.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of charmed
Verb
  • Oracular methods such as automatism and tarot cards would lead Colquhoun down many paths in her search for knowledge, while the duality of the androgyne fascinated her in her art and writing.
    — Marina Warner, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 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
Definition of fascinated
Adjective
  • The polished green tourmaline of her Bulgari choker shone like some kind of enchanted talisman.
    — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The attraction takes guests on a tour of the Darling family’s London home before whisking them off on enchanted boats to Neverland Island.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of enchanted
Verb
  • Nearly a year after her record-breaking album mesmerized Swifties, the singer has rewarded her loyal fanbase with a deluxe edition, subtitled The Encore.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The flavor, though, was so thoroughly tomato, I was mesmerized.
    — Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of mesmerized
Adjective
  • Just outside of the Theater is a Prohibition-style cocktail bar, where guests can order a drink to sip on and take to their seats for film screenings or perhaps even a magic show.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Chinese robotics startup LinkerBot has demonstrated the dexterity of its new robotic hand by teaching it to perform magic tricks.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of magic
Adjective
  • Oddly, a practical glitch led to one of the evening’s most magical moments.
    — Joe Lynch, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The Being is alien, mystical and magical, a migrant finding her way in a new world.
    — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of magical

Browse Nearby Words

spellbinds
spellbound
spelled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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