charisma
noun
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The Greek word charisma means "favor" or "gift." It comes from the verb charizesthai ("to favor"), which in turn comes from the noun charis, meaning "grace." In English, charisma was originally used in Christian contexts to refer to a gift or power bestowed upon an individual by the Holy Spirit for the good of the Church—a sense that is now very rare. These days, we use the word to refer to social, rather than divine, grace. For instance, a leader with charisma may easily gain popular support, and a job applicant with charisma may shine in an interview.
Synonyms of charisma
Examples of charisma in a Sentence
Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
Their dramatic work is deeply grounded and authentically felt, while their comedic timing and presence command the stage with effortless charisma.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Ross, meanwhile, exudes suspiciously ingenuous charisma as the heavily accented voice coming out of Meek’s Speak & Spell.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
The role demands charisma, vocal chops, and sharp comedic timing, all deployed within one of the most cynical satires in the musical theater canon.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Charisma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charisma. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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charisma
noun
