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 Recent demonstrations illustrate why the technology is attracting attention. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026 Already this season, the three home games played by Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the Championship have attracted crowds of 62,264 (Charlton Athletic), 59,113 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and 61,180 (Derby County). Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 Launched in 2004, Fandom is best known for its wiki platform that attracts 300 million unique visitors per month. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026 Even plants get in on the mimicry fun, with some mimicking the small of rotten meat to attract flies and others using their petals to trick flies into pollinating on them. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • The country is one of Europe’s quickest growing AI markets, and major AI and big tech corporations such as Microsoft and TikTok have already pledged billions in investments into Finland, enticed by its growing role in Europe’s AI economy.
    Joshua Hong, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Rashford enticed the Ukrainian, then drove past him on the outside, further beating Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the area, forcing James Tarkowski to slide in to concede a corner.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • What interests me in Zumthor’s architecture is not simply beauty or contemplation.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Your three films to date reveal you as a filmmaker interested in structure.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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