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 The hostages’ families mounted a pressure campaign, protesting outside government offices in Karachi, Melbourne and London to attract attention to the Honour 25 crew’s plight. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026 Fragrant herbs, soft foliage, ornamental grasses and plants that attract birds and pollinators are the core building blocks. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026 That same ethos courses through the world of street style, where statement footwear can often attract the lenses of enterprising photogs. — Irene Kim, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026 His thriving business is built on centuries-old techniques, yet many of his clients discover him through Instagram, where videos of his work regularly attract millions of views. — Emma Jacobson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • The many interactive exhibits that dot the new building’s 200,000 square feet of gallery space are geared to entice and educate people of all ages.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Justin Perez, 28, of Springfield, Massachusetts took a plea deal on Monday in Rockville Superior Court, pleading guilty to charges of risk of injury to a minor and enticing a minor, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • What interests me most is the idea of giving young people an ownership stake in a company helping shape the future of space exploration.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Which is perhaps why the inclusion of Atari BASIC interests me more than another collection of retro games.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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