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 Each of his last three matches attracted more than 13,000 attendees, enough to fill roughly 99% of the Diamond Court’s capacity. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 Mayor Johnson has attracted criticism from his 2027 rivals for not distancing himself from Dominguez. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Charlotte is growing and attracting jobs and investment, but for too many people in my district the economy feels worse. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026 She also was attracted to the script and the idea of inhabiting Eisenberg. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • As the midterms near, leaders across the party have been meeting with MAHA activists, discussing potential openings with consultants, and rolling out food and environmental agendas meant to entice these voters.
    — Daniel Payne, STAT, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Caruso has been charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse inflicting mental injury.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But what may interest YouTube executives is buying a chunk of live sports and putting it behind the paywall.
    — Alex Sherman, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Try the version that interests you before worrying about whether everyone understands it.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster