enchant

Definition of enchantnext

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 The face enchanting enough to gain entry into this party of the Four Hundred. Danielle Parker, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026 Irvi was enchanted and unnerved by Oaxaca’s clear blue skies, unmarred by skyscrapers. Caitlin Dickerson, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026 This enchanting 500-year-old Grade II cottage is set in 12 acres of mature gardens and land – including paddocks, a kitchen garden, and access with frontage on the River Arun (including fishing rights), ideal for kayaking and other water pursuits. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 20 Feb. 2026 Along with the clear Bowie and Orbison inspiration, the album’s influences reflect the tastes of someone recently enchanted by the romance of California. Millan Verma, Pitchfork, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enchant
Verb
  • Precious artifacts have been recently unearthed from the site that fascinates scholars worldwide.
    Sharon Chin, CBS News, 1 May 2026
  • We were fascinated by a broader trend — covered locally by the Chicago Sun-Times and nationally by outlets including CNBC and The New York Times — of people turning the humble 1040 into a form of civil disobedience.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The indictment charges each individual with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, officials said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Officials define crime guns as firearms that have been stolen or are illegally possessed, have been used in a crime, or are suspected of having been used in a crime.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Geese’s charmed run as one of the buzziest indie rock bands of recent memory will extend at least through early November, as the New York quartet has announced some of its biggest live shows to date in support of its 2025 Partisan album Getting Killed.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The series first debuted on Prime Video in 2021 and quickly gained a huge following, with viewers charmed by the beautiful scenery and the drama that country living can bring, helped along by Clarkson’s total lack of farming experience.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Higher electricity costs could dog incumbents Rising electricity rates stemming partially from data centers could spell trouble for the toss-up district Republicans as the politicians attempt to run on an affordability agenda against the backdrop of the Iran war.
    Caleigh Keating, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
  • But since the advisory panels only provide advice, not a final determination, the three strikes won’t spell the end of the Park District’s project.
    Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • His frame and traits are enticing.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Office renovations and conversions in Charlotte Post-COVID, office towers have to either entice people to come back to the cubicle or change uses.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Japanese quartet take Ra’s skein of electronic noise as a starting point, wrapping it in a sizzling no wave funk beat, vocals that veer between incantatory and goofy, and bewitching mandalas of chimes and gongs.
    Reed Jackson, SPIN, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Born Dan Wherrett in Lacey, Washington, the producer initially moved to Seattle to study design, but was bewitched by the world of electronic music.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • After decades of delighting fans with her brilliant performances in comedies like Private Benjamin, Overboard and The First Wives Club, Hawn is turning to a different medium to spread the power of positivity.
    Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Every summer, stylish crowds congregate along France’s southeastern shores, seduced by the glamorous promise of the French Riviera, spending their days sipping overpriced cocktails at the high-end resorts that line its sandy beaches as if plucked straight from a Slim Aarons photo.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026
  • To speak in verse is to tease, to cajole, to seduce, all actions that suggest an excess of desire.
    New York Times, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enchant. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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