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 Several major fires continue to rage in Los Angeles on Friday, destroying homes and businesses and forcing major attractions to close. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2025 Don’t forget to look for deals on group tours or passes for major attractions. Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025 On a team that has been shaky, Westbrook is consistently supplying the fun, even when the main attraction is absent. Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025 Some also referenced a pervasive smell of sewage throughout the attraction. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2025 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 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on attraction

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!