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 Renowned for its beauty and ability to attract butterflies, butterfly bush (Buddleia) can spread quickly and outcompete and destroy native plants. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026 These attract a variety of beneficial insects including parasitoid wasps, lacewings, and syrphid flies, all of which feed on aphids, whiteflies, insects eggs, and other garden pests. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026 Accounting, long stereotyped as dull and tedious, has struggled for years to attract young talent. Preston Fore, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026 Howard’s mass rallies in Mound Bayou attracted marquee names such as the singer Mahalia Jackson and William Dawson, a congressman from Chicago. Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • The actual scene of the Denny’s Plan, in which Clark visits a famously gay Denny’s while on a work trip in Chicago to entice a fine young gentleman to meet up with Floyd as Tiger Tiger, is where Bateman really shines this week.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
  • More than half of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in such plans, enticed by lower monthly premiums and extra benefits not covered by traditional Medicare, according to health policy research firm KFF.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • For eight minutes, the astronauts are free to focus on any surface features or patterns that interest them.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
  • If Native American sites interest you, continue eight miles down the road to the Newark Earthworks, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2023.
    Midwest Living, Midwest Living, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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