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 next

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 Tell me about your attraction to her and her work. —

Peter Larsen, Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026 The exterior queue looks down at the park’s Driving School attraction. —

Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026 Who doesn’t love a stop at a quirky roadside attraction or fast food from the best the locals have to offer? —

Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026 Disney is now offering weddings at two new venues themed after its Haunted Mansion attraction. —

Eve Chen, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attraction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for attraction

magnet

Noun

The scientists noted that RHIC’s experiments drove advances in superconducting magnets, particle detectors, data storage, and high-performance computing.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Phones that could be unlocked quickly became magnets for theft.

— Roslyn Layton, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 11 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of attraction

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