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 kingdom is starting with its underserved second-tier cities, which are often in areas that attract year-round tourism because of their cooler climate. Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Willie unites Starting in the 1970s, Willie’s concerts attracted both rednecks and hippies, two segments of society that could never seem to agree on anything except Willie Nelson music. Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026 Moore should become the apple of Josh Allen’s eye, attracting upwards of 125 targets. Jess Bryant, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 That also includes attracting more commercial and post-production work as well as microdramas going forward. Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • Offering a 35% incentive aimed at stiffening up jobs here and enticing post-production to relocate to the Golden State, AB 2319 is racing toward a vote in the state Senate by next week once the bill is in final shape.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Marvel Studios began moving its production operations to Georgia, enticed by the state’s uncapped tax credits that could be used for actors’ salaries.
    Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As Houthi threats to the Bab el Mandeb Strait increase, so, too, may interest in developing pipeline capacity through the Red Sea.
    Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Short trips and conversations with daily contacts, siblings and relatives will interest you.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on attract

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!