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

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 attraction Also, because capacity is limited, attraction wait times are usually significantly shorter than usual. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 Eventually, the project could provide Detroit residents and visitors with access to Belle Isle from multiple locations along the Detroit River using water taxis, as well as on-island shuttles to reach various attractions, which would help mitigate traffic issues. Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press, 1 Nov. 2024 Starting this week in the U.S. only, users will be able to converse with Google Maps to ask for tips on things to do around specific spots in a neighborhood or city and receive lists of restaurants, bars and other nearby attractions that include reviews that have been compiled through the years. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024 Based on the Walt Disney theme park attraction of the same name, the Pirates of the Caribbean series consists of five films, with its first three directed by Gore Verbinski as part of a trilogy, and its remaining two as standalone sequels. Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for attraction 

Thesaurus Entries Near attraction

Cite this Entry

“Attraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attraction. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on attraction

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