charismatic

American  

[kar-iz-mat-ik] / ˌkær ɪzˈmæt ɪk /

adjective

1. of, having, or characteristic of charisma.

   His military successes go hand in hand with his charismatic leadership.

2. (of a species, especially an endangered one) prone to popular appeal and widespread attention.

   The giant panda and humpback whale are among the charismatic megafauna that attract donors who contribute to environmental causes.

3. relating to, characterizing, or noting Christians of various denominations who seek an ecstatic religious experience, sometimes including speaking in tongues and instantaneous healing.

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noun

1. a Christian who seeks an ecstatic religious experience.

   For most charismatics, theology is inseparable from the Bible.

Usage

What does charismatic mean? Charismatic is used to describe people who have an outgoing, energetic, and likable personality that seems to naturally draw other people to them. Charismatic is the adjective form of the noun charisma, which refers to the magnetic and charming personal quality that draws people to someone. A person with charisma is thought to be able to easily influence others. Charismatic is most often used in a positive way as a compliment, but it can also be applied to people who influence others in a negative way, such as a charismatic cult leader. The word is also used in a more specific way to refer to Christians who pursue ecstatic or trancelike religious experiences (like speaking in tongues) that are outside of more mainstream beliefs. Example: People like a candidate who’s charismatic and can get them excited, not someone who just drones on about facts and figures.

Other Word Forms

• noncharismatic adjective
• uncharismatic adjective

Etymology

Origin of charismatic

First recorded in 1865–70; from Greek charismat-, stem of chárisma “grace, favor” + -ic English adjective suffix; see origin at charisma, -ic

Explanation

If all kinds of people are attracted to you, you are charismatic. Most great leaders in history have been charismatic, like John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. People who have powerful personalities that attract and fascinate other people are charismatic. Charismatic people are popular and beloved: they are full of charm and magnetism. Being charismatic is the opposite of being boring or dull. Often, the term is applied to people in politics, or to religious leaders, but there are charismatic people everywhere.

Example Sentences

He was also a charming, funny, warm, charismatic, genuine and eloquent man, universally popular.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

A charismatic orator, the then-43-year-old found herself helming a burgeoning democracy movement, but was put under house arrest in 1989.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

The Grammy Award-winning rapper made history as the show’s first woman to portray the charismatic cabaret manager Zidler — the character’s full name is Harold Zidler.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

Her affections are initially for the governor and his charismatic cohort the way that Louise’s are for Claude.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Thanks to these endorsements, Fuller ’s job was saved, but the attacks enraged many in the black community, foremost among them Ann Atwater, who was by this time completely devoted to the charismatic leader.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• appealing