Thesaurus results for ATTRACTION

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

attraction

noun

ə-ˈtrak-shən

Definition of attraction

as in magnet

something that attracts interest a park with the world's fastest roller coaster and other attractions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 But thrill-seekers can’t get enough of NightFlight Expedition, a $50 million indoor attraction that opened in August and combines roller-coaster thrills with a dark ride to simulate soaring over the Smokies at night. — Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026 The blockade forced museum officials to turn away visitors from the popular attraction, which draws as many as 20,000 people on its busiest days, according to French media reports. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 For many, being surrounded by thousands of people who share their beliefs is a big part of the attraction. — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026 Over the years, Pigott’s pumpkin has become a genuine neighborhood attraction, with all kinds of people coming by to take its picture. — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attraction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for attraction

magnet

Noun

The case originates from a change in admissions policy that began a decade ago, when a consulting group was hired to evaluate how the school system chose students for its middle school magnet programs.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
The Supreme Court agreed Monday to consider outlawing school diversity policies that limit Asian American students at magnet programs and selective high schools.

— Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of magnet

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attracting

attraction

attractions

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Style

“Attraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attraction. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of attraction

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