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 After stocks, private equity and cash attracted the most incremental capital with a net 15% of respondents increasing their allocations in each category, according to the survey. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026 The Bulldogs’ first two games this fall, against Louisiana-Monroe and Minnesota, attracted more than 48,000 each. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026 Chance said he was attracted by TCU because of the size of campus. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026 As well as being a holy site, Lourdes attracts around 3 million pilgrims a year, including approximately 60,000 sick and disabled pilgrims. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • Hopefully this is going to entice us in Sweden to watch more films from our neighboring countries.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Turkey’s growing hair transplant and restoration industry in particular entices people with easy-to-digest all-inclusive packages advertised on their websites, online placements, and social media.
    — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • And that the practice of science was something that really interested me.
    — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Certain details, such as a lost footnote that only exists in a single edition of the volume as a handwritten addendum, interest him greatly.
    — Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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