allure 1 of 2

allure

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word allure different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of allure are attract, captivate, charm, enchant, and fascinate. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

When might attract be a better fit than allure?

Although the words attract and allure have much in common, attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

How are the words charm and captivate related as synonyms of allure?

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 can enchant be used instead of allure?

While in some cases nearly identical to allure, 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 allure?

While the synonyms fascinate and allure are close in meaning, 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 allure
Noun
Courtesy of Kona Village While the allure of a white-sand beach is undeniable, black-sand beaches are uniquely captivating. Mariette Williams, AFAR Media, 7 Apr. 2025 This expensive, insider reputation is undoubtedly part of the allure for superficial LA actress Jaclyn. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
Art and Patrick are longtime best friends and tennis rivals both chasing after the same woman, allured by her grace on the tennis court. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Dec. 2024 The film argues that companies are keeping consumers in a vicious shopping cycle: alluring advertising encourages people to buy ever more, and products are designed to fall apart quickly, further reinforcing the cycle. Esha Chhabra, TIME, 27 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for allure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allure
Noun
  • The sleek all-black upper, paired with black rubber pods on the outsole, embodies the sultry and timeless appeal of a black shoe versatile enough to be worn anywhere.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Zendaya may be filming a movie off the coast of Sicily, but her off-duty ensemble has universal appeal.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Wynn-Williams was horrified by the situation, but Zuckerberg — charmed by Dzodan’s allegiance to him in the face of possible prosecution by a nation with strict internet laws — wanted to celebrate the moment with a Facebook post, Wynn-Williams says.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Consider how former WeWork CEO Adam Neumann charmed investors and employees with his vision, despite unsustainable business practices.
    Nuala Walsh, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Again, Lewandowski is coming short and tempting the right-sided centre-back higher up the pitch.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Category extension: Beyond time pieces, time objects Being resilient also means finding new ways to be relevant for consumers who might have an abundant watch collection and might be much more difficult to tempt with new ones.
    Stéphane JG Girod, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Noah Carrigan has always been fascinated by trucks.
    Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • People with autism, for example, tend to have special interests that result in in-depth knowledge or passion about a topic, says Khan, who recalls a patient fascinated by vacuums.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Westchester County’s verdant enclaves have long lured the elite.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Amenities provided by Class A offices are viewed as a key tool needed to lure employees back to the office more days of the week.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Anyone who has been reading these columns knows of my fascination with history.
    Steven Desmyter, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Always an early adopter of cutting-edge visual technology, Dea’s fascination with the blend of painting and cinematic technique began at the University of Hartford’s Hartford Art School.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • One reason is that in order to entice people to buy its stock, a company needs to offer potential shareholders something in return.
    Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Those touches are some of the reasons that entice fans to buy from brands.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The musical’s first act opens with the Moulin Rouge on the verge of closing, unless Satine can seduce a wealthy duke into becoming its patron — but for the moment, these financial woes are hidden behind the club’s glamorous veneer.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Sherri Parlay, a good woman with a high libido, is seduced into murder by the beguiling heir to a dry-cleaning fortune.
    Sara Gran, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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