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

Sprigs with blue-black berries can be an attractive addition to a holiday wreath. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026

Though the possibility of hefty yields and potential downside protection may sound attractive, these ETFs aren't risk-free. — Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026

Made from 270-thread-count long-staple cotton, the sheets have a crisp, breathable feel that's especially attractive to hot sleepers who prefer something lighter than silky sateen. — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026

Why the semiconductor industry is interested in diamond One of diamond’s most attractive properties is its exceptional thermal conductivity. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 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