attract

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 Yet Alberta has stayed in the game, attracted to Pete's growing confidence (spurred by his newfound power of leaving the residence) and his scout shorts and knee-high socks wardrobe. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 May 2025 To remedy the lack of fresh food, some municipalities have pledged part of their state grocery tax revenues to attract grocery stores, and are contractually obligated to come up with the money regardless if the state provides it. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025 In fact, your enthusiasm for life today will attract people to you. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 9 May 2025 The city invested more than $130,000 to renovate the former tennis facility to attract area pickleball players into the city, said Mayor Hugh Hardgrave. River Valley Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • Will the new level of EV functionality even entice GM to end the ban of CarPlay in electrics?
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Google and eBay are ramping up technology to help brands and sellers entice consumers.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Take a class, join a book club, volunteer with a school or nonprofit, join an exercise group, find activities that interest you and give an opportunity to socialize with others.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
  • After the George Floyd protests of 2020, Akil noticed an increase of young Black people talking about the microaggressions in their private, white institutions, which shocked and interested her in equal measure.
    Jazmine Hughes, Vulture, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on attract

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