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 Sulfates are cleansing agents that attract oil, product buildup, and dirt. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026 Her international exhibitions attracted huge crowds and her works often sold for more than $1 million. Kaori Kaneko, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Still, on the instant messaging platform Telegram, the users were able to attract a larger audience of between 10,000 and 20,000 followers per channel. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 The two kinds of programs make for different pitches to attract diverse students. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • The bet is that the interesting content will entice fans around the world and grow the series’ audience as the debut of its second season draws near.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • When Idrissa Gueye’s pass to Vitalii Mykolenko entices Curtis Jones to press the left-back, Dewsbury-Hall and McNeil spot the space behind Ibrahima Konate and attack it.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • With your sisters Kim and Kylie breaking into the acting world over the last couple of years, with American Horror Story, All’s Fair and The Moment, is acting something that still interests you?
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
  • There’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to talk about what interests him, in the right context.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!