attraction

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun attraction differ from other similar words?

The words affinity and sympathy are common synonyms of attraction. While all three words mean "the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together," attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it.

felt an attraction to danger

When is affinity a more appropriate choice than attraction?

While the synonyms affinity and attraction are close in meaning, affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn.

an affinity for mathematics

When might sympathy be a better fit than attraction?

The meanings of sympathy and attraction largely overlap; however, sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence.

two minds in sympathy

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 attraction The film features some impressive moments of snake spectacle, but the real attraction is the human drama that emerges from the larger-than-life personalities. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2025 Even babies show a preference for sweet flavors, suggesting an attraction is biologically predisposed, according to Tsui. Caroline Tien, SELF, 12 Mar. 2025 Before adding those community assets, the city did not have the same quality attractions, prompting residents to travel elsewhere. Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025 All include Agra and the Taj Mahal, plus a range of top attractions such as tigers or Udaipur, the lake city, Varanasi, and Jaipur, the pink city. Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attraction

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Cite this Entry

“Attraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attraction. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on attraction

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