Definition of attractionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun attraction differ from other similar words?

The words affinity and sympathy are common synonyms of attraction. While all three words mean "the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together," attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it.

felt an attraction to danger

When is affinity a more appropriate choice than attraction?

While the synonyms affinity and attraction are close in meaning, affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn.

an affinity for mathematics

When might sympathy be a better fit than attraction?

The meanings of sympathy and attraction largely overlap; however, sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence.

two minds in sympathy

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 attraction As hotel rates drop and crowds at major attractions decline in the winter, United is making a bet that travelers will fill up the three-times-a-week service even without the ideal summer weather. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 6 July 2026 One of the event’s biggest attractions was the Humanoid Soccer League, where robots passed, dribbled, defended, and attempted long-range shots in matches resembling human soccer. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 Over more than a century, the zoo has grown from a traditional menagerie into a sprawling campus of habitats, educational spaces, and family-friendly attractions that anchor countless summer memories. Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 6 July 2026 It is no longer listed as an attraction on the park’s website, and Worlds of Fun confirmed the ride has been retired over the phone. Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for attraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attraction
magnet
Noun
  • While this natural decrease is not unique to Florida, its social, economic and demographic impacts may be more pronounced if the state is no longer a migrant magnet.
    Karin Brewster, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
  • Paired with a dual neodymium iron boron magnet system, Iris maintains strong driver control and dynamic expression across the full frequency range.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attraction. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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