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 Mangione, despite facing state and federal charges in what some are characterizing as a vigilante-style action against soaring medical costs, has attracted surprising levels of public support. Brian Mann, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026 One attracted attention worldwide and set a record for the highest sales in the first week in South Korea among debut albums released that year. Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026 Cranes dominate the skyline near the campus as crews build new housing and parking to complement new academic and athletic facilities, all designed to attract and accommodate more students. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2026 Above all, McConaughey was attracted to the story’s innocence. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • The houses are capturing spending from wealthy collectors, winning over some former primary-market customers, and using luxury to entice entirely new buyers over to the auction ecosystem.
    George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Fall fashion tends to kickstart our lust for the new season as brands start to launch enticing pre-fall collections.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Short trips and conversations with daily contacts, siblings and relatives will interest you.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But what really interested us with this movie was trying to understand the humanity and searching for and exploring the love and the loyalty to characters to have a dialogue with an audience and not do it for the sake of ego or shock.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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