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 The museum isn’t located in downtown Houston or anywhere near the stadiums, the museum district, or typical attractions people visit in the city. — Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2026 The launch and respective FanFest was full of attractions like a petting zoo, kids fishing area, inflatable archery, cornhole tournament, boat demos, and more. — Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2026 The other major historical attraction is Orongo, a stone village perched on the rim of the Rano Kau volcano, which served as the ceremonial center for religious festivals dedicated to the creator god Makemake. — Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026 Agnes and Ada’s niece, Marian, who remains central to The Gilded Age’s storytelling despite never once being interesting enough to justify the attention, is still inexplicably fighting her mutual attraction to the Russells’ son, Larry. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attraction
magnet
Noun
  • The system uses implanted 3-mm magnets to measure muscle length and movement speed through sensors placed on the skin.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The big difference between the M-Grip and other stands is that it's got two big ol' magnets.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attraction. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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