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
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Example Sentences
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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
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He was best known for his over-the-top showmanship, having adapted a charismatic, all-American persona that helped bring professional wrestling to the mainstream.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
24 July 2025
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The first panel featured a bilingual conversation between Straw Hat Goofy, a U.S.-based anime creator known for his charismatic anime commentary and film reviews, and Shinnosuke, a creator from Japan known for introducing films, television dramas, and anime.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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The beautiful building, colored with stained glass and retro pastoral art, and its sprawling patio, provide one of the most charming settings to enjoy a barbecue meal in Central Texas.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
Robinson will play Brian Hancock, a sweet, charming, and kind-hearted patient who turns a soccer injury into a possible meet-cute with one of the doctors.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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The Cubs became an appealing destination for Bowa because of two people in the organization: former Phillies manager and then-Cubs general manager Dallas Green and former Phillies coach and then-Cubs manager Lee Elia.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
29 July 2025
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This movie felt your pain and offered an appealing fantasy in which a few endearing numbskulls could somehow get their act together and stun the world.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
What is this thing that’s so attractive to everybody?—
Paul Liberatore,
Mercury News,
25 July 2025
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Research analyzing millions of profiles reveals that both men and women often pursue partners who are estimated to be about 25% more attractive than themselves, despite these advances yielding fewer responses.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Vistas stretch on for miles in every direction, but peeking into Cerro Negro itself, less than 200 years old and still belching streams of gas and smoke, is arguably just as enchanting.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
26 July 2025
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Yet every wine lover who has spent time on the French Riviera has memories of an enchanting luncheon while overlooking the sea, smelling the flowers and sipping on a cold Provençal wine.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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Lop off the tops and bottoms of giant heirloom tomatoes like Cherokee Purples or Red Zebras endowed with divine characteristics through fine lineage, including a gorgeous ugliness, striking Technicolors, patterns, and a seductive sweetness.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 July 2025
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Its power rests in Benicio del Toro as the shady international businessman Anatole Korda, a sly, seductive operator who is trying to firm up his many enterprises and bequeath them to his daughter, Liesl, played marvelously by Mia Threapleton.—
Taylor Antrim,
Vogue,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elfin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elfin. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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