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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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 Kalocsai said she’s spent the last 10 years hiding her attraction to women. —

Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026 Deliver a new Penn Station and a new Garden as compelling, 21st century attractions facing each other across Seventh Ave. —

Ellis T. “skip” Prince, New York Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026 While the island's painkiller cocktails run colder and stronger than ever, newer attractions like a floating spa offer more reasons to come to Jost Van Dyke—and stick around well after final call. —

Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026 Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. —

Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attraction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for attraction

magnet

Noun

But the area is a magnet for growth.

— DIAMOND VENCES, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
With its precipitous mountains and spectacular beaches looking out on the Norwegian Sea, the Lofoten Island chain is a magnet for tourists even during the long months of winter.

— Alan Crawford, Bloomberg, 20 Apr. 2026