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 festival typically attracts 100,000 visitors who enjoy the South Florida weather and celebrate Caribbean culture. Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026 Although the Nordics fell out of love with the south of Sweden when the Med started attracting the rich and famous in the 1970s, a small but mighty renaissance is taking place on the Swedish countryside and shores. Michelle Tchea, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026 During the three-day September 2026 edition, which closed Tuesday, the shows collectively attracted 37,000 visitors. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026 That, perhaps, is the saddest thing, when so much debate has been created over the years about the media coverage of Sterling and the headlines that a young, successful Black footballer can attract. Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • While Bryan the Medical Courier may not be a marquee attraction, Abrams plays his bumbling so hilariously yet relatably that some kids may be enticed.
    Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Once inside the warehouse, shoppers tend to linger, enticed by a potent cocktail of comforting routine, retail adrenaline and cheap eats.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • What interests me more is how much smarter these devices are becoming.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • This question interested me as a computational biophysicist who studies how living systems process information and adapt to changing environments.
    Shiladitya Banerjee, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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