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

Examples 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 dance of shadow and light of the handcrafted candleholders dreamed up by artist Pietro Ruffo will enchant, featuring illustrations of 30 Avenue Montaigne, La Colle Noire and a design inspired by the French royal gardens. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Taylor Swift enchanted the more than 70,000 beglittered and sequined fans who filled Lucas Oil Stadium despite facing some minor technical difficulties. Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 3 Nov. 2024 In a sea of pop culture witches, few have enchanted the public quite like the Owen sisters in 1998’s Practical Magic. Ivana Rihter, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2024 While this lauded historical fiction isn’t nestled amongst fall foliage necessarily, there’s something enchanting about being whisked back in time and made privy to deep friendship bonds between women—and a brave heroine to remember. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enchant 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enchant
Verb
  • The county’s shift over the last decade from deeply red to a more politically and demographically diverse region has fascinated the public for years.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Dahmer's combination of serial killing, necrophilia and cannibalism has fascinated true crime fans for decades, inspiring the graphic novel and film My Friend Dahmer starring Ross Lynch and Ryan Murphy's series Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story starring Evan Peters.
    Jessica Sager, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The opulent color possesses surreal and otherworldly qualities—traits that align with consumers’ desire for products and experiences that tap into the senses.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Bill Thomas was focused on content, narrative and storytelling, elements that Romero possessed in abundance.
    Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Maroon and gold balloons, streamers and signs decked the student union at Huston-Tillotson University on Friday as the president's Jazz Collective charmed the crowd to the dance floor.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Fans flooded the comments, charmed by the display of pure affection.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The Bucks, meanwhile, employ a fun bench that has helped spell Damian Lillard’s cold stretch.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
  • Prior to the elections, immigrant rights groups warned that Trump’s return to power would spell devastation for immigrant communities.
    Robert Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 25 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • While defensive coordinators certainly focus on Jeanty, the reciever believes teams are also enticed by the opportunity to dash the running back's Heisman Trophy dreams.
    Chantz Martin, Fox News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • By not coming to the region, Smith said Harris and Trump missed an opportunity to hear local concerns and entice local voters to go to the polls.
    Terry Collins, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Ideal for: Stylish types bewitched by the 20th century’s greatest fashion designers.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 13 June 2024
  • The museum's focus is not only on bringing alive the story of Andersen's amazingly interesting life (filled with love, heartbreak and adventure) but also on taking you by the hand and plunging you headfirst on an immersive journey through Andersen’s bewitching stories.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Guests will be delighted by the cranberry filling that’s hidden inside, and the Whipped Cream Frosting won’t deflate thanks to our secret ingredient—white chocolate instant pudding mix.
    Tricia Manzanero Stuedeman, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Fans were surprised and delighted by the new album.
    Daysia Tolentino, NBC News, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • After Shaw takes a leap of faith and seduces Rule, the two attempt to navigate a romantic relationship, with significant drama along the way.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
  • While the literary legacy of Parthenope had the character drowning herself after her songs failed to seduce Odysseus, Sorrentino’s version centers on a wealthy woman who slowly drives her family insane by her beauty.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near enchant

Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enchant. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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