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 town attracts large numbers of laborers who work in large gold mines with muddy pools of gold deposits, narrow pits and caves. Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026 The aim is to establish the infrastructure to attract other firms to build data centers or manufacturing facilities in the area. Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 7 June 2026 Never leave a bowl of sugar dissolved in water by itself to attract butterflies. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 June 2026 For me, the art was a distraction, an effort to generate excitement and sell extra tickets — something that the garden, which is attracting large numbers of visitors lately, no longer needs to do with such desperation. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • More Arsenal fans have searched for the shirt since the parade, with 55 bought from Etsy in the 24 hours after the parade, but the reference is what enticed buyers pre-title win.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 2 June 2026
  • The company will offer limited-time deals and new discounts each day to entice shoppers to participate in more than one day of the event, Ghani added.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • What seems to interest Yamashita most is the awful experience of guessing how to answer the questions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
  • Some plants don’t interest them as much, especially plants with hairy or fuzzy leaves or that are strongly scented.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on attract

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster