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

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 enchant Mallorca, the largest of Spain's enchanting Balearic Islands, has typically been synonymous with bucket-list beaches and opulent Spanish villas. Shea Peters, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2024 The absence of humans enhances the enchanting world-building, allowing Kaža and Zilbalodis to create a timeless landscape where architectural elements transcend any specific historical period. Robert Lang, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024 The affair includes Lafayette, whom Claire met (and was enchanted by) that afternoon at the market. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 27 Dec. 2024 New, enchanting flavors abound with every captivating sip; complex, creamy, fruity, and spicy notes are expressed with each welcome return to the glass. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enchant 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enchant
Verb
  • Tissot was particularly fascinated by the mores and materialism of high society.
    Brigit Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025
  • She was fascinated by it because there was stuff from her mother — my daughter.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Other types of evergreens — including boxwoods (Buxus microphylla), bugleweed (Ajuga sp.), lenten rose (Helleborus sp.) and holly (Ilex sp.) — also possess adaptations that protect their leaves from damage from freezing temperatures.
    Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2025
  • As part of the conspiracy charge, prosecutors added two additional drugs Combs and others allegedly possessed to include psilocin, a psychedelic, and methamphetamine.
    Kara Scannell, CNN, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In one viral moment from 2019, Stephen Curry’s then 2-year-old daughter charmed the entire NBA viewing audience while sitting on her dad’s lap during a press conference.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The film is a fish-out-of-water caper, as two exotic art weirdos attempt to charm ranchers and perplexed local officials.
    Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • New platform launches and possible product releases for Oddity in the coming months could spell upside for shares, according to JPMorgan.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Permanent reductions in aid could spell the end for some.
    Mike Deehan, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s firing of pro-labor Abruzzo and Wilcox is rumored to entice Amazon and SpaceX to challenge the constitutionality of the NLRB at the Supreme Court.
    Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Jan. 2025
  • As with many scams, the message contains a kernel of truth—enough to entice taxpayers to click.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Audience Feedback: Fly, do not run, to see Wicked, a bewitching musical experience chanted by a spellbinding cast.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
  • These sunglasses come with crystal accents on the sides and a sleek Wicked logo, adding a bewitching twist to any sunny day look.
    Julie Loffredi, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • There is an argument that Alexander-Arnold is just a 21st-century version of Glenn Hoddle, a midfield playmaker who both delighted and baffled the country in the 1980s.
    Rory Smith, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Following the birth of Patrick and Brittany Mahomes’ daughter, Golden Raye, last Sunday, Randi Mahomes delighted fans with a post on Instagram following the blessed event.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Eating and Drinking Make sure to carve out time for the gym because the property's dining venues seduce not just with food quality but also with outstanding design.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The Medusa logo was chosen as a symbol of captivating beauty, seducing all those who behold it.
    Mattia Dognini, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near enchant

Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enchant. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on enchant

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