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 Many also create a more vibrant garden by attracting birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 Ringelstein has attracted a roster of investors that includes Serena Williams’ Serena Ventures, Ciara and Russell Wilson, Jimmy Kimmel’s production company Wheelhouse, Christina Aguilera’s family, and Charlie D’Amelio. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 21 June 2026 Great businesses often attract shareholders with similar expectations. Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 The 29-year-old singer sported custom Levi’s looks at Blackpink shows that were later put on display at the brand’s flagship in the Harajuku district of Tokyo, attracting thousands of fans. Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • Obviously, Donnie being over there was enticing to me.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • For American diners of diverse backgrounds, chop suey struck an enticing balance between novelty and decipherability, which propelled it to national popularity even as the US government moved to exclude Chinese laborers from entering the country in 1882.
    Ashley Rose Young, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Focus on how your team members can learn and grow, and discuss with them what interests them.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • But discovery interests me more than learning.
    Alma Rota, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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