attract

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 The company, which went public last year through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company, nevertheless attracted thousands of retail investors. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 21 July 2025 Even if no pests are visible, freezing also halts mold growth, which is often what attracts bugs like booklice. Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2025 Lavoie said his business has attracted crowds in the first few days with waits as long as an hour for burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches, chicken, soups, salads, quesadillas, empanadas, wings and more. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 21 July 2025 The political aspect is what has attracted so many to the comic strip. Alex Dueben july 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • For six months, President Trump tried to entice Putin to the table.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2025
  • Won’t tip too much of the good stuff, but there’s a depth of feeling here that’s bigger even than the one-handed no-no that enticed producer-director Mike Farrell to pursue the project in the first place.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Sign up here and bet $5 on Mariners-Yankees, Mets-Orioles or any other matchup that interests you, and get $150 in bonus bets credited to your account if your initial wager wins.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • Use LinkedIn’s alumni search to find people in industries or roles that interest you.
    Jill Tipograph, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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