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 Plus, their interesting odor and bright white color will easily attract non-targets. Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026 The pavilion and its organizers had attracted some criticism for their chaotic handling of the artist selection process. Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 9 May 2026 And now, there’s a GOP candidate for governor, James Fishback, who’s attracting a growing following among young, white college students who swoon over Fishback’s claims that minorities — and Jewish people, in particular — are threatening their way of life. Scott Maxwell, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2026 Tactile communication Unexpectedly, the keyboards have also attracted users with accessibility needs. Sydney Goh, CNBC, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • In December, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, or DEEP, began holding meetings to inform the public of the possibility of building more nuclear reactors within the state, hoping to entice a town to host one.
    Krisztian Elcsics, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • Companies will test the boundaries Boyden speculated that offering different prices based on how much a customer uses a service, or advertising in particular ways to entice customers who are more likely to infringe, might constitute tailoring a service for piracy.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Alternatives are dwindling, and playing centre-backs out of position does not interest me.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • That’s what interests me enormously.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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