attractive

adjective

at·​trac·​tive ə-ˈtrak-tiv 

1

a

: arousing interest or pleasure : charming

an attractive smile

b

: appealing

an attractive offer

2

: having or relating to the power to attract

attractive forces between molecules

attractively adverb

attractiveness noun

Synonyms

• alluring
• appealing
• bewitching
• captivating
• charismatic
• charming
• elfin
• enchanting
• engaging
• entrancing
• fascinating
• fetching
• glamorous
• glamourous
• luring
• magnetic
• seductive

Examples of attractive in a Sentence

An attractive woman greeted us at the door.

The camera has many attractive features at a very attractive price.

Recent Examples on the Web

Put it all together, and Alphabet enters 2025 on strong footing, especially given its shares still screen attractive on earnings despite their 14% advance in December. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Dec. 2024

Here are three possible reasons why attractive criminals garner so much attention and favor. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

Available in both brown and white, the chairs are loved by shoppers for their lightweight feel and attractive wicker design. —Rachel Simon, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 2024

Scammers grab pictures of an attractive teen or 20-something and play digital Casanovas. —Kim Komando, Fox News, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English attractif, attractive "drawing out foreign matter from the body, able to ingest nutriments," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French attractif, attratif, borrowed from Late Latin attractīvus "capable of attracting, drawing toward itself," from Latin attractus, past participle of attrahere "to draw with force, compel to come" + -īvus -ive — more at attract

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

attractive

adjective

at·​trac·​tive ə-ˈtrak-tiv 

: having the power or quality of attracting

especially : charming, pleasing

attractively adverb

attractiveness noun