attract

verb

Definition of attractnext
as in to entice
to engage the attention of The park's natural wonders attract many tourists. The blackbird puts on a colorful display in its attempt to attract a mate.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Moat did attract a sick fandom, but that sort of ugly love does not stay a killer’s hand. —Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2025 The fact that prizes of more or less value are to be distributed will attract persons to the theaters who would not otherwise attend. —Daniel Wallach, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 Review: Phish is right at home during San Francisco concert (with photos) All this attention about the Rock Hall nod is sure to attract interest from some of those who have been hesitant to climb aboard the bus thus far. —Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025 What If…? ended up not being a terribly good series in the end and making Carter the focus attracted a lot of flak since it was supposed to be an anthology. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attract

Browse Nearby Words

attorneys-at-law
attract
attracted
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Cite this Entry

“Attract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attract. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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