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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
But a large part of its enduring allure is arguably its world-class lineup of hotels that reflect Bangkok’s sophistication, Thai heritage, and renowned warmth and hospitality. John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025 For all of its allure, though, nostalgia is a tricky element for a restaurant to trade in, and a risky thing to rely on. Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 6 July 2025
Verb
The crust, alluring in shades of caramel, looked so toothy. Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025 But most foods know no gender, and brands risk alienating certain groups through the attempt of specifically alluring another. Andrew Watman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allure
Noun
  • Despite Chinese foldables being clearly superior the past few years, various factors (some out of their control) have prevented Chinese foldables from reaching mainstream appeal.
    Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The list of goals and timelines in the memorandum appears to have aisle-crossing appeal.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • In a performance pulsating with a rejuvenated energy, Detroit R&B star Kem charmed a capacity crowd Friday night at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre to open a two-night homecoming stand.
    Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
  • Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos charm at the New York premiere of Running with the Wolves, which documents their ownership of an Italian soccer club on July 23.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Address: Andros 845 00, Greece Wellness travelers will be tempted by the offerings at Kea Retreat, a family-run boutique hotel located in a hillside nature reserve above the pristine blue waters of Psathi Bay.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Luxe new all-inclusive resorts like Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets now tempt visitors to stick around past sunset rather than take the ferry home at the end of the day.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • The author's own life story has also fascinated film makers: this year, a new BBC drama called Miss Austen imagined Jane Austen's life, alongside her sister Cassandra.
    Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 20 July 2025
  • Disney was fascinated with the technology behind robotic puppets that move and talk in a fluid way.
    Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • Across the country, governors and legislators are clamoring to offer ever more generous tax incentives to lure data centers to their state.
    Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Promotions like Miami Spice and Taste the Gables, which runs through the end of July, are a way to lure customers during what is becoming an ever-longer low season.
    Connie Ogle July 22, Miami Herald, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • As with many sweeping arguments, the fascination lies in the details.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
  • But the dual Democrat-Republican fascination with The Epstein Files also testifies to a truth Hollywood has forever known: a love of conspiracy stories tugs at us all.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • For six months, President Trump tried to entice Putin to the table.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2025
  • Culinary delight often begins with a visual feast that entices people to indulge in delicious flavors.
    Molly Peck, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Split rumors arose when Furlan revealed that she had been seduced by a catfish posing as musician Ronnie Radke.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 20 July 2025
  • Instead, Piero and Lara are cautiously trying to seduce one another while protecting themselves from shagging what could be a crazy person.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 16 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allure. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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