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 Special trails for bikes attract those looking for two-wheeled excitement. Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025 Oak Trees Don’t prune oaks from March to October where oak wilt disease is an issue because the fresh cuts can attract the beetles that transmit the disease during those months. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025 Water sports at Centennial Waterfront Park and Dierkes Lake attract residents and visitors alike. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025 The case attracted national attention as the cause of fans' deaths were shrouded in mystery. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 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 15 Mar. 2025.

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