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 Longart spoke admiringly about Kirk’s ability to attract a diverse group of mourners. Enrique Limón, Time, 12 Sep. 2025 This year, Hong Kong rolled out additional measures like tax incentives to attract wealthy individuals and institutions. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025 This creamy formula blends kaolin and bentonite with bamboo charcoal powder to attract and remove pore-clogging impurities, excess oil, and buildup. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Sep. 2025 The deal arrives a month after SpaceX took the rare step of cutting the Residential and Residential Lite plans in the US to $99 and $65, respectively, to attract new customers. Senior Reporter, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • The increase in payments to insurers could be seen as a way to entice Medicare beneficiaries to move to Medicare Advantage.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Because while the perks of his elevated status are enticing, maintaining his dominance is as difficult as establishing it.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Chances are, there’s a book on a topic that interests you.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • If casting a line doesn’t interest you, check out baking and walking trails, go snorkeling, do some bird watching, or simply soak in the sun.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on attract

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