attract

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 Other southern Arizona wineries are expanding with new eateries and event spaces to attract more visitors. Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 4 Oct. 2025 Opening to visitors at the end of last year, the winery has attracted attention not only for the quality of the wines, but also the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Brennan Long, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025 The purpose of the daylong event — which drew big-name speakers and 300 invite-only attendees — was to talk about how to attract and retain people to jobs in industries like manufacturing, utilities, transportation, construction, and energy. Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025 The aim is to help these films secure finishing funds, attract sales agents, secure festival premieres, and establish partnerships. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • The possibilities are enticing because of how both Mara and Johnson grade out defensively.
    CJ Moore, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The 6-foot-4, 260-pound outside linebacker has a draft pedigree that could entice other squads.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And having fun to develop and nourish the strategy by being open to brand creativity and following advice from our partners, always having the customers interest in mind.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • To read only the chapters that interest you?
    Sophia Rosenfeld September 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on attract

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