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 Find out the best foods to attract and support wild birds during the spring nesting season. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2026 The kids club, pools, villas, and other family-friendly amenities attract a lot of multi-generational crews, while the spa and extensive wellness programming bring in the adult crowd. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026 Cities including Bangkok and Chiang Mai continue attracting retirees, entrepreneurs and digital nomads alike. Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 The event attracted some big names as spectators, too. Jason Beede, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • Lifting the interest rates paid for deposits that banks park at the Fed would entice lenders to divert dollars from checking and savings accounts to the Central Bank, curbing the loan portfolios that fuel expenditures across the economy.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 May 2026
  • But to get there, Kalshi and Polymarket need to entice market-makers like Citadel Securities and Jane Street to take the other side of whatever bet these platforms’ vibe-surfing users want to make.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Despite speculation, there has been no hard evidence to suggest the Celtics will look to trade Jaylen Brown (who likely would interest the Heat).
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
  • That agenda should interest Washington.
    Daniel Benaim, Time, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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