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 Chloe also talks about Vogue’s November cover featuring Jenna Ortega, photographed by Szilveszter Mako, who has attracted a major following for his painterly photography style. — Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026 Gogglebox for Stand Up To Cancer has attracted some big names in recent years including Hollywood stars Kieran Culkin and Josh Hartnett last year. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 In turn, it's been investing in cardholder perks such as new lounges in airports and at big-ticket events and experiences as a way to attract more high-paying customers. — Maggie Roth, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 Meta has traditionally focused on attracting users to new products before finding ways to make money from them. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • Emirates, which has nearly returned to its prewar capacity, is trying to entice more connecting travelers on long-haul flights to make a stop in Dubai.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The 17-year-old said there is a lot of peer pressure to vape, and the product flavors and designs are enticing for teens.
    — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • With your background in documentaries, what interests you in that tension, particularly right now?
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Clearly there’s something about the relationship between audience and performer that interests you.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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