attract

Definition of attractnext

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

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 attract The city should also work to attract and retain high-quality employers who strengthen the city’s tax base. Nathan Pilling march 29, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026 Erickson discovered yoga after a long career in outdoor sports gear, and like most, was first attracted to the physical aspect. Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026 Everybody has a different appeal, different style attracts different, constituencies. Nathalie Marie Palacios, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026 Southeast Asia, however, is further back on the value chain, and attracts global firms due to its low production costs, rather than an edge in healthcare innovation. Angelica Ang, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attract
Verb
  • But the open kitchen concept, with local produce and jars of pickles on display for guests to touch, taste, and smell, makes going off-menu just as enticing—just ask the chef for suggestions.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The synopsis, just like the film's title, fails to prepare viewers for the level of chaos the film brings, which Matarazzo says enticed him.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But this Central American country – a narrow isthmus stretching for 500 miles between Costa Rica (to the west) and Colombia (to the east) – offers far more to interest the curious traveller, said David Amsden in Condé Nast Traveller.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 29 Mar. 2026
  • If pepperoni doesn't interest some customers, King said Columbus-style goes beyond traditional toppings with more experimental options.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on attract

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster