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 The 72-year-old’s popularity boomed during the pandemic, when his insistence that COVID vaccines were dangerous and his opposition to lockdown restrictions attracted many Americans distrustful of government policy. CNN Money, 16 July 2026 Growing up, Patricia easily attracted friends among her peers — and even struck up friendships with some of Robert’s older classmates. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 And various crypto market structure bills have attracted sponsors across parties and ideological spectrums. Patrick McHenry, Fortune, 16 July 2026 Though its more developed neighbor to the east, Big Bend National Park, might attract more tourists, the state park is well worth a visit. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • Eventually, the attacker would entice the target to install malware disguised as security software.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
  • The San Francisco Chronicle first confirmed Saronic’s plans, which come after Texas officials approved a $211 million abatement package to entice the company to locate the shipyard in South Texas.
    Lia Russell July 16, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • And generally, that algorithm does remarkably well at predicting which videos will interest particular users.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026
  • So, this obsession with efficiency – with the bottom line – doesn’t interest me at all.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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