attraction

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 This simultaneously occurs with a Mercury-Pluto square, creating a tug-of-war between your self-expression and your sense of stability, or your romantic attractions and your core values. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 May 2025 While both merit arriving early to hear, either of the main attractions is worth the price of admission on their own. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2025 The fourth annual fest takes place over one May weekend and features a few new attractions and activities. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 8 May 2025 The intention is to redirect your attraction right back to them. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for attraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attraction
magnet
Noun
  • The same place that’s a magnet for the rich could be squeezing out its lower and middle classes.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
  • Fyne claims that the powerful point source configuration is driven by multiple motor systems featuring a neodymium magnet for the high frequencies and a large ferrite magnet for the main cone.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attraction. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on attraction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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