attraction

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 Moreover, while transiting your sign, Venus will make an opposition to Pluto retrograde in your relationship sector, making attraction, power dynamics and controlling behavior harder to ignore. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026 Imagineers are expanding the fictional world with new sights like the Glob Theater – a completely new attraction in the former Muppet*Vision 3D venue – and various storefronts. Eve Chen, USA Today, 4 June 2026 Fate led me to Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion, a local Halloween attraction in operation for 50 years this year, and one just ten minutes away from my parents’ home. Lindsay Calleran, IndieWire, 4 June 2026 Ant-Man even has his own theme park attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland. Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for attraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attraction
magnet
Noun
  • The visit illustrates his balancing act of upholding centuries-old religious traditions in a country where faith is waning while reaching a global audience from a basilica that is more a magnet for tourists than believers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 June 2026
  • Her proposal would call for an alignment of the Attendance Boundary Committee process and the magnet and school of choice application timeline.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attraction. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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