attract

Definition of attractnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word attract different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of attract are allure, captivate, charm, enchant, and fascinate. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

When is it sensible to use allure instead of attract?

While the synonyms allure and attract are close in meaning, allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

How are the words charm and captivate related as synonyms of attract?

Charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

charmed by their hospitality
her performances captivated audiences

Where would enchant be a reasonable alternative to attract?

The synonyms enchant and attract are sometimes interchangeable, but enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

When might fascinate be a better fit than attract?

Although the words fascinate and attract have much in common, fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of attract Two decades ago, his use of the pet food loophole to ship across state lines attracted scrutiny almost immediately. CNN Money, 14 June 2026 The city continues to invest in housing initiatives and homelessness services while pursuing projects to improve walkability and attract visitors. Sarah M. Boye, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026 Washington’s usual summer pests will also make an appearance, including mosquitoes, which Raupp noted are more attracted to sweaty spectators than bright lights, as well as black flies and even bats feeding on the abundance of insects. Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2026 Galveston, Texas Those who aren’t attracted to Florida, but still want Gulf access, should consider Texas—specifically, Galveston. Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • Seen from the other side of the deal, that means that bond issuers must pay higher yields, or rates, for investors to be enticed to buy.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 15 June 2026
  • Financial incentives offered by the conservation district, in conjunction with federal programs, have enticed farmers in the South Fork of the Republican River near Burlington to end irrigation on an additional 20,000 acres.
    Allen Best, Denver Post, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Make new friends or join a club that interests you.
    Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026
  • What interested him was the gap between the performance of power and whatever lives underneath it.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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