attractive

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adjective at·trac·tive \ ə-ˈtrak-tiv \

Definition of attractive

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

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attractively

adverb

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attractiveness

noun

See attractive defined for English-language learners

See attractive defined for kids

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 of attractive from the Web

However, the presence of Scott Schebler and Jesse Winker might make Duvall a more attractive trade candidate if the Reds decide the want to deal from the major-league roster. 5.

— zach buchanan, Cincinnati.com, "BAR: Ranking the Cincinnati Reds' contract extension candidates," 29 Aug. 2017
To love and conform with American civilization is to find something attractive in a country whose greatness comes from the consequences of its existence, the principles of its constitution, and difficulty of its survival.

— j. j. mccullough, National Review, "I Love America (and the Alt-Right Doesn’t)," 28 Aug. 2017
Pairs of attractive females almost always snagged a mate.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Sexy females help ‘Plain Jane’ moths snag their mates," 25 Aug. 2017
A fall in the value of the pound since last year’s referendum and a slowdown in the British economy may also be making the country less attractive to migrants.

— jill lawless, The Seattle Times, "Brexodus: UK immigration falls as EU citizens leave Britain," 24 Aug. 2017
Attractive but spare dining room boasts an aquarium.

— michael klein, Philly.com, "Let's Eat: Where there's a Will, there's a new way," 16 Aug. 2017
A silent auction promises many surprises for eager bidders because attractive accessories and gifts from the resale store will be up for grabs along with must-have art and antiques.

— faye reeder, star-telegram, "Fashion show and luncheon to benefit Northeast Tarrant families in need," 30 July 2017
But part of being a woman, and especially a female-athlete, is looking attractive and sporty and fit, and that's what women's tennis does so well.

— CBS News, "New LPGA dress code rules spark debate among players," 19 July 2017
Western Europe and the United States are both slowly coming to understand that the psychological and financial costs of migration are falling and emigration to the West is becoming a more attractive option to more people across the world.

— michael brendan dougherty, National Review, "Trump’s Admirable but Unlikely Goals on Immigration," 14 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'attractive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of attractive

see attract

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1540

See Words from the same year

attractive Synonyms

Synonyms

alluring, appealing, fascinating, bewitching, captivating, charismatic, charming, elfin, enchanting, engaging, entrancing, fetching, glamorous (also glamourous), luring, magnetic, seductive

Antonyms

repellent (also repellant), repelling, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, unalluring

Related Words

absorbing, arresting, engrossing, enthralling, galvanic, gripping, hypnotic, hypnotizing, mesmerizing, riveting, spellbinding; enticing, tantalizing, tempting; exciting, haunting, interesting, intriguing, titillating; beckoning, inviting, winning; darling, delightful, pleasant, pleasing

Near Antonyms

boring, irksome, tedious, tiresome, wearisome; abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, distasteful, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, invidious, loathsome, nauseating, noisome, obnoxious, odious, offensive, shocking, sickening; drab, dreary, dull, flat, humdrum, jading, leaden, monotonous, pedestrian, ponderous

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

ATTRACTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

attractive

play

adjective

Definition of attractive for English Language Learners

: having a pleasing appearance; especially : having a pleasing appearance that causes romantic or sexual feelings in someone
: having a feature or quality that people like

ATTRACTIVE Defined for Kids

attractive

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adjective at·trac·tive \ ə-ˈtrak-tiv \

Definition of attractive for Students

1 :having the power or quality of drawing interest

an attractive offer

2 :having a pleasing appearance

an attractive home

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attractively

adverb

—

attractiveness

noun

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Examples of attractive in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of attractive

attractive Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

ATTRACTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

attractive

Definition of attractive for English Language Learners

ATTRACTIVE Defined for Kids

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