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 county's promise of good-paying jobs has attracted immigrants to Elkhart and surrounding counties. Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2026 The 2026 edition drew the festival’s largest crowd ever, with Linkin Park’s debut Lollapalooza India set attracting the biggest audience for a single performance since the festival launched in 2023. Spin Staff, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026 Wong has little confidence that a new ballpark, even once it’s built and attracting visitors for 80 home games a year, will make business much better. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Kerouac's agent, Sterling Lord, spent years trying to attract interest in Kerouac's jazzy, unorthodox tale before Viking signed it up, for an advance of $1,000. ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • The high-concept thriller stars Valeria Bruni Tedeschi as a demonic character called The Stranger, who entices a young mother played by Jasmine Trinca into forging a Faustian pact.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
  • All of this casts doubt on whether the event will pull the kind of star power that entices TV networks to break their regular prime-time programming and compel viewers to skip an NFL game to tune in.
    Daniel Strauss, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • If those sorts of things interest you, the paper will be great.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Businesses too small to interest a Wall Street desk can transfer a specific risk to someone willing to price it.
    Brian Quintenz, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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