Synonyms of attract

attract

verb

as in to entice

to engage the attention of

The park's natural wonders attract many tourists.

The blackbird puts on a colorful display in its attempt to attract a mate.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• entice
• interest
• draw
• inspire
• charm
• fascinate
• captivate
• dazzle
• intrigue
• impress
• occupy
• entrance
• involve
• absorb
• bewitch
• carry away
• enthral
• allure
• engage
• hypnotize
• busy
• enchant
• enthrall
• mesmerize
• enrapture
• transport
• immerse
• stir
• ravish
• engross
• affect
• reach
• catch up
• bias
• influence
• grip
• bemuse
• tell (on)
• enwrap
• sway
• color
• impact
• touch
• strike
• move

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deter
• discourage
• dissuade
• bore
• weary
• pall
• tire
• jade
• underwhelm

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

Recent Examples of attract

Cudahy has been working to attract commercial development and more people ― specifically younger residents ― with a downtown development plan which includes higher density and public spaces like plazas and transportation improvements like bicycle lanes. —Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025

Another disadvantage: Adding banana peels directly to the soil may attract unwelcome varmints. —Marin Independent Journal, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025

Besides increasing supervisor pay, the more liveable salary could attract a wider swath of the community to run for the board. —Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 14 Feb. 2025

This would also help the nonprofit attract private and foundation funding from entities that are a little skittish about its legal footing, and help more such centers open around the city. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2025