incantation

noun

ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce incantation (audio)
Definition of incantationnext
as in spell
a spoken word or set of words believed to have magic power hovering over the sick child, the witch doctor muttered mysterious incantations

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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 incantation These works evoke the votive sculptures of ancient Egypt, where animals garnered more reverence than they do now, were seen as perhaps incantations of gods. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 17 Dec. 2024 Her spectral trip-hop incantations are a departure from the maximalist, four-on-the-floor Brat bops ripping through the internet. — Suzy Exposito, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2024 Plot: Dead bodies from the local cemetery come back to life after Bart utters an incantation from The Time Life Book of Magic and Spells, Vol. II. — Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024 Wanda cursed Hahn's Agatha to live out her days playing out her own distorted reality as Agnes, until a young goth horror enthusiast shows up to break the witch free with an incantation. — Nick Romano, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for incantation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incantation
  1. spell
  2. invocation
  3. curse
Noun
  • Patrick is willing to do anything to help his wife but becomes distrustful of the retreat’s enigmatic leader even as Abigail falls under her spell.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The pair played key roles in Moyes overseeing a renaissance during his four-and-a-half year managerial spell.
    — Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of spell
Noun
  • Boasberg, an appointee of President Obama confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate, issued a temporary restraining order on Saturday against Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Lawyers representing nearly 300 Venezuelans deported under President Donald Trump’s invocation of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act say deportation flights may have come after a judge ordered the removals halted.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of invocation
Noun
  • Then, Democrats have to be thinking about what happens if Republicans only have a mild case of the midterm curse.
    — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Flubber can do anything, which is both a blessing and a curse for Professor Brainard.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of curse

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Cite this Entry

“Incantation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incantation. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on incantation

Nglish: Translation of incantation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incantation

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