CHARM Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

charm 1 of 2

noun

ˈchärm

Definition of charm next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in appeal

the power of irresistible attraction a young singer with the kind of charm that turns a performer into a star

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spell

a spoken word or set of words believed to have magic power recited a charm to make the prince fall in love with her

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

as in to fascinate

to attract or delight as if by magic a quaint seaside village that charms all who visit it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to possess

to cast a spell on in one version of the tale, it is a vengeful fairy who charms Sleeping Beauty so that she falls into a sleep for a hundred years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bless

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

The teaser hints at a lively campaign that blends humor and charm, marking a bold first step into the Super Bowl spotlight for this beloved creamer brand. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025 Fox, who was beloved in Sacramento and often expressed his admiration for the city’s small-market charm, made his 500th start for the Kings in Saturday’s loss to the Thunder. —

Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 3 Feb. 2025

Verb

Venus in Pisces is charming your sixth house of daily routines and health habits, Libra. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025 Social media users were charmed by Eleanor's antics, sharing their admiration and laughter. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for charm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for charm

Noun

Both the time of the amulet’s burial and its location are significant.

— Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 23 Dec. 2024
But the Frankfurt amulet appears to be purely Christian in nature.

— Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024