attract

Synonym Chooser

How is the word attract different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of attract are allure, captivate, charm, enchant, and fascinate. While all these words mean "to draw another by exerting a powerful influence," attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

When is it sensible to use allure instead of attract?

While the synonyms allure and attract are close in meaning, allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

How are the words charm and captivate related as synonyms of attract?

Charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

charmed by their hospitality
her performances captivated audiences

Where would enchant be a reasonable alternative to attract?

The synonyms enchant and attract are sometimes interchangeable, but enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

When might fascinate be a better fit than attract?

Although the words fascinate and attract have much in common, fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

Examples 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 attract Its Bucharest location attracts 1.6 million visitors a year, while Munich has 1.9 million. Richard Collings, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024 The modules have already attracted attention from the Society of Automotive Engineers and have patents in both Canada and the United States. Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024 The country has invested in new schemes to attract foreign talent and is developing a sprawling $110 million tech campus. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 30 Nov. 2024 The Land Rover auction will see cars from around the world go under the hammer attracting James Bond, classic Land Rover and special edition fans alike. Trinity Francis, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for attract 

Thesaurus Entries Near attract

Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on attract

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