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

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 attraction No timeline is available for the construction of the attractions in the Avengers Campus at Disneyland California Adventure. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025 Far fewer visitors make it to this stunning natural attraction, known for its impenetrably turquoise water, so mesmerizing that it was once thought to be bottomless. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025 Moreno said all the parking changes threaten to hurt the ability of San Diego’s low-income families to enjoy the city’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025 Moving out of Seattle also put almost 2,000 miles between the company’s top brass and its restive unions, which might have been one of the biggest attractions from the corner-office point of view. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for attraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attraction
magnet
Noun
  • This includes adding aptX HD playback for higher quality Bluetooth sound, a USB audio connection for easy high-resolution playback and a moving magnet phono stage for powering a turntable.
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 7 June 2025
  • Markers, push pins, magnets, and a dry eraser are included as well.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attraction. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on attraction

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