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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Recent Examples of elfin
Meanwhile, as Hjalmar’s 14-year-old daughter, Hedvig, the elfin Maaike Laanstra-Corn is delivering yet another wonderfully eccentric embodiment of a high-strung tween with a potentially perilous excess of imagination.
—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
14 Sep. 2025
Numerous species are commercially available, from the culinary classic common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) to colorful flowering groundcovers such as elfin thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and creeping thyme (Thymus praecox).
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Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
25 Aug. 2025
In a series of illustrated stories, Lung describes the Labubu as an elfin creature.
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Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
The look is elfin, but less shaggy than an elfish cut, often pulled off with a mod, micro-cut bang instead.
—
Essence,
21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elfin
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
14 Sep. 2025
Numerous species are commercially available, from the culinary classic common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) to colorful flowering groundcovers such as elfin thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and creeping thyme (Thymus praecox).
—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
25 Aug. 2025
In a series of illustrated stories, Lung describes the Labubu as an elfin creature.
—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
The look is elfin, but less shaggy than an elfish cut, often pulled off with a mod, micro-cut bang instead.
—
Essence,
21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elfin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elfin
Adjective
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With bright feathers that look painted on, colorful birds are typically pretty and charismatic poster species for conservation.
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In 2025's Marty Supreme, the New York native took on the role of the charismatic hustler Marty Mauser.
Adjective
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Places like the Dolomites in Italy are especially well suited to private active travel, with charming lodges too small for large tour groups.
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Apparently, mom Donna was meant to go on a date with another guy when Ed saw her, hit her with a not-so-cool-yet-charming pickup line, scooped her and the rest was history.
Adjective
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The Heat has been in a holding pattern of sorts the past two days, waiting to see if an appealing free agent takes a minimum deal or an appealing player under contract shakes free.
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To me, a road trip is still one of the most appealing ways of exploring the USA.
Adjective
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On paper, Minnesota seems like an attractive destination for the 41-year-old.
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But Minetree cannot fix the inherent brokenness of a series determined to make its conventionally attractive, straight, rich white protagonist the most discriminated against kid in the cafeteria.
Adjective
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Embodying the best of what the FIFA World Cup might hope to be was the enchanting tale of Lawrence adopting Algeria and being loved right back.
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Consider borrowing elements to create an enchanting outdoor oasis.
Adjective
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In an act of pure showmanship, Bolton has placed mannequins clothed in fleshlike skintight garments in a tall glass vitrine visible to museumgoers heading toward the medieval wing—a seductive preview that may help lure them away from Arms and Armor.
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For a destination so beloved for its beachfront exploits, a city center hotel that’s a car ride away from the sand may not seem immediately seductive.
Cite this Entry
“Elfin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elfin. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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