attractive

adjective

at·​trac·​tive ə-ˈtrak-tiv 

1

a

: arousing interest or pleasure : charming

an attractive smile

b

: appealing

an attractive offer

2

: having or relating to the power to attract

attractive forces between molecules

attractively adverb

attractiveness noun

Synonyms of attractive

• beautiful
• handsome
• cute
• lovely
• gorgeous
• pretty
• charming
• good
• stunning
• elegant

Examples of attractive in a Sentence

An attractive woman greeted us at the door.

The camera has many attractive features at a very attractive price.

Recent Examples on the Web

Its beaches, such as Playa Alicia and Playa Dorada, are perfect for sun and sea lovers, while its proximity to Cabarete, a surfer's paradise, makes this locale even more attractive. —Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026

Rumors about sheriff, sheriff’s son Weatherford — an area now surging with multi-million dollar developments — was last year named one of America’s fastest and most attractive growing suburbs. —Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026

Rosenblatt reiterates Nvidia as buy The firm says Nvidia shares are still very attractive. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 10 June 2026

Bathroom tile may be durable, but grout requires ongoing care to stay clean and attractive. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English attractif, attractive "drawing out foreign matter from the body, able to ingest nutriments," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French attractif, attratif, borrowed from Late Latin attractīvus "capable of attracting, drawing toward itself," from Latin attractus, past participle of attrahere "to draw with force, compel to come" + -īvus -ive — more at attract

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for attractive

• contractive
• extractive
• inactive
• proactive
• reactive
• refractive
• subtractive
• active
• tractive
• bioactive
• hyperactive
• interactive

Kids Definition

attractive

adjective

at·​trac·​tive ə-ˈtrak-tiv 

: having the power or quality of attracting

especially : charming, pleasing

attractively adverb

attractiveness noun