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 Eggs was asked what attracted him to Zimmermann at this particular point of growth. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2026 Raccoons, coyotes, skunks, and crows are all attracted to lawns that are grub-enriched. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Nov. 2026 The event has attracted sizable crowds, including a February Bad Bunny look-alike contest that brought hundreds of attendees to the café. — Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2026 But attracting audiences, Fahmy acknowledges, is an increasingly unpredictable undertaking. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 12 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • Reports from other African countries said many were enticed with promises of lucrative jobs and generous benefits through false advertising on social media platforms.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Nov. 2026
  • That combination was enticing to Elon Muskular, one of the subjects Lee interviews in the docuseries.
    — Barry Levitt, Time, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • What interests me most is the possibility of giving doctors another set of highly capable eyes.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Follow what interests you without needing to come home with a grand revelation.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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