as in charismatic
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract
the heroine in the story has an elfin beauty that men find irresistible
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 elfin
Before leading me on a tour of the outdoor sets and soundstages, Logan, an elfin presence with a demeanor that splits the difference between fanatical and very nice, greeted me at his office in a repurposed hacienda.
—
Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2020
The elfin Smart car made a noble stab at our market, but is leaving it while remaining in Europe.
—Tom Voelk, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2020
Advocates say the change, which the agency wants to make permanent, softens protections for the New England cottontail, golden eagle, frosted elfin butterfly and other animals along with some that are subject to separate federal protections.
—USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2020
Cunningham was easily both, and Bozek’s film—narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker—captures both his artistry and his fizzy, elfin charm.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 14 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for elfin
Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2020
The elfin Smart car made a noble stab at our market, but is leaving it while remaining in Europe.
—Tom Voelk, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2020
Advocates say the change, which the agency wants to make permanent, softens protections for the New England cottontail, golden eagle, frosted elfin butterfly and other animals along with some that are subject to separate federal protections.
—USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2020
Cunningham was easily both, and Bozek’s film—narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker—captures both his artistry and his fizzy, elfin charm.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 14 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for elfin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elfin
Adjective
-
Support letters, filed by friends and family members in court, describe him as a charismatic and polite young man with righteous goals and aspirations.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
9 July 2025
-
With only one problematic, diasporic leader who isn’t all that charismatic, a lot of people are hesitant to rally behind him, and Iranian people are afraid and out of resources, and economically suffering.—
Fiction Non Fiction
July 3,
Literary Hub,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
At first, the breathless news stories seemed charming and harmless.—
David W. Brown,
New Yorker,
5 July 2025
-
This adorably resilient and charming 7-year-old Australian Cattle Dog has been waiting for her forever home at the Arizona Humane Society since March - much too long for such a loving pup.—
AZCentral.com,
AZCentral.com,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
In fact, on the whole the backup quarterback market might not have been very appealing among players such as Joshua Dobbs (New England), Jacoby Brissett (Arizona) and Mac Jones (San Francisco).—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
15 July 2025
-
Regular yard maintenance can help create a yard that’s not very appealing to them.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
If the team were inclined to bolster that position, Auburn’s Ike Irish and North Carolina’s Luke Stevenson would each be attractive options.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
-
The bulk of the lunar material falls into orbit around the more gravitationally attractive sun.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
The 24 rooms and suites are enchanting, but the greatest riches are found in the former vault, which once stored gold bars and furs and has now been transformed into the Simmer Down cocktail bar.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
14 July 2025
-
Clad in a black, flowy dress with chains swinging around their waist, Dua Saleh’s whispery cadence gave her an enchanting presence over the room.—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
While a Daiquiri is radiant, the Daisy de Santiago is seductive.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
11 July 2025
-
Moreover, Venus will clash with Mars in a seductive square on July 23, making the tension equally enticing and uncomfortable.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elfin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elfin. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share