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 Yet the city itself has become an attraction for an unusual reason. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Food, vendor goods and ride attractions are the only aspects that cost money. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Other attractions include a butterfly garden at Arthur’s Park, a skate park next to Civic Park, and a remote-control race car track and authentic log cabin at Southside Park. — Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The attraction between these two lost souls, both still mourning the loss of their respective spouses years ago, is evident. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attraction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for attraction

magnet

Noun

Beginning in January 2027, new Department of War requirements will also push defense contractors to remove China from their rare earth magnet supply chains.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Rare earth metals come to mind, magnets come to mind, and all the gears and actuators and chips and so forth.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of magnet

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attracting

attraction

attractions

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“Attraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attraction. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of attraction

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