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 The match may have attracted the audience, but transportation, public spaces, food, nightlife, digital access and security determined how visitors remembered the destination. Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Billed as a social experiment amid increasing levels of polarization and social isolation, the show will then explore across eight eps whether opposites really do attract. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 July 2026 The school launched a national search for a permanent head coach that, according to multiple sources, attracted 27 qualified applicants. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026 Underground leaks can attract tree roots, leading to severe clogs and property damage. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • The short turn around is designed to entice users to act quickly and pre-order, but rest assured that a similar PayPal deal will likely come around again in the next few months.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Profit was pressured by lower average vehicle selling prices as the company offered incentives to entice buyers.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • Pushing Content That Doesn’t Interest The Audience New marketers often lead social posts with company news, product features or promotional content without considering what interests their audience.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • The Reds have several players under team control beyond this season who could interest other teams, like outfielder JJ Bleday and infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer, but for now, at least, the team seems to be concentrating on moving rentals.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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