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 If the goal is to close budget gaps and make the city more affordable, the most durable strategy is to grow the tax base by keeping and attracting the companies and jobs that power the city. Steven Fulop, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026 The appointment of Al Mannai comes as businesses in the downtown area see the cost and ease of access to parking as an obstacle in consistently attracting visitors who are considered essential to rebuilding the vibrancy of downtown. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026 Investors leverage this report to measure tightness in the labor market, which influences expectations around wage inflation; in a hot labor market, businesses need to pay up to attract talent, but when there are way more job-seekers than openings, less financial incentives are needed. Zev Fima, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026 With faster play and higher pay, the league attracts both fans and athletes alike. Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • Players from all over were enticed by the Raiders, who opened up the coffers to land key free agent additions, including linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Milestone said the weak snowfall and comparatively mild winter may entice some climbers to try to ascend the peak early.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And along with gender and empowerment, there’s also something about having bright colors and a lot of grief on stage that interests me.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Celebrity doesn’t interest Vernon Hills junior Yury Plaksin.
    Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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