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

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 attract Strengthening the Anti-Cyclical Barrier Emerging as a Vanguard in Artistic and Cultural Luxury By deeply integrating art and culture, Loewe enhances its emotional appeal, attracting high-net-worth cultural consumers. WWD, 28 Feb. 2025 Restaurant chains have scrambled over the past year to attract customers who are fed up with high prices. Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025 Cost of sports Live sports have played a pivotal role for media companies as the content that attracts the biggest audiences. Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025 Additionally, the company has faced growing competition from Walmart and other mass merchants that rolled back prices in the fall to attract shoppers. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attract

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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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