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 Despite average crowds of 300, their fame has attracted 6,000 members from 54 countries, including Brazil and Kazakhstan. Phil Hay, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 The ships that pass through generate income, but the canal also attracts businesses that create jobs in industries such as logistics, insurance and banking, according to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). Erika Angulo, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025 It is understood Bellini was attracted to Mayhoola’s long-term approach to value creation, and his strong complicity with Rachid. Mayhoola, an investment vehicle linked to the royal family of Qatar, swept in and acquired Valentino in 2012, adding Pal Zileri in 2014, and Balmain in 2016. Miles Socha, WWD, 22 Jan. 2025 Reports indicate that convenience, speed, and the social interaction offered by social media platforms are key factors attracting younger people to consume news online. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 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 29 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on attract

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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