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 Other attractions include camel rides, pig races, a reptile show and an interactive butterfly exhibit where fairgoers get to feed the butterflies. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026 American Dream’s other attractions include DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, Sesame Street Learn & Play, Legoland Discovery Center and Sea Life Aquarium. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026 One other attraction Sturgis attendees frequently visit is Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming, a particularly popular motorcycle destination in the Black Hills. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Other Disney attractions have been the basis for television and movie productions, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise, all operating at Magic Kingdom theme park. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attraction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for attraction

magnet

Noun

Incomes in San Francisco and San José, magnets for AI startups and major tech companies, rose more than 5% in 2025, putting them in the top 20 in terms of growth.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
The government will become the company’s large shareholder at 15% while at the same time guaranteeing the purchase of all the rare earth magnets that MP’s new plant produces for 10 years.

— James K. Glassman, Forbes.com, 12 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of attraction

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