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 In part this is because New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, also a fervent anti-Zionist, attracted so much attention and controversy in his campaign last year that El-Sayed’s run feels like a tamer sequel. Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 We’re attracted to the appearance and the aromas of other humans because those are our friends and our family and our mates. Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 30 July 2026 But that’s a small handful of people getting attracted here and there. Jackie Snow, IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026 Abdul had attracted attention in the build-up to the fight because of his family ties to Amin, who seized power in Uganda via a coup in 1971. Andrew Fifield, New York Times, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • The brand also enticed fans with daily specials like $1 Mexican pizza.
    Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 30 July 2026
  • What enticed you to revisit the characters and write for them again in this context?
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • What interests me is this idea of hybridity—where human infrastructure and natural systems become entangled.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • The cliche of getting involved in activities that interest you where other people might go is actually a good idea.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 25 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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