Attraction Synonyms: Top Synonym Options

Updated October 30, 2024by Regain Editorial Team

Attraction is hard to explain at times. You find someone who clicks with you, and you end up wanting to be in a relationship with them, or you're able to have that relationship and be productive about it. The word "attraction" has many definitions and many different synonyms, antonyms, and phrases that can describe other little nuances. Here are some definitions and synonyms of attractiveness.

Types of attraction

There is more than just one type of attraction. You may experience different types of attraction for different kinds of people, including:

Sexual attraction

Getty/PeopleImages
Attraction can have a variety of meanings
Learn more in online couples counseling

This type of attraction is when you're attracted to someone just because of how sexual they are. Sexual attraction can work in harmony with other types of attraction, or it may be alone. Usually, the sexual attraction will fade in time.

Emotional attraction

You're attracted to someone because you feel like you can open up your emotions, and they will empathize and engage in conversation with you, showcasing an ability to understand and connect deeply. When someone showcases compassion or kindness, you may feel a deeper connection as your drawn to their positivity and warmth. Emotional attraction can be involved in other types of attraction as well. 

Physical attraction

This is similar to sexual attraction but may not involve sex. You like how the person looks, and you may want to be closer to them because of it, even if there is no sex involved. You may feel like you want to touch the person or have a relationship with them.

Romantic attraction

Romantic attraction usually combines all the other kinds of attraction. With romantic attraction, you feel like you can be intimate with them and express your emotions. You may be physically attracted to their appearance and want to have sex with them. You're attracted to both their mind and their body.

Attraction synonyms

There are many types of feelings when being attracted to someone and different situations where you feel attracted. This is why attraction has many synonyms to describe the situation. Here are a few related words and synonyms of attraction.

Engagingness

When something is engaging, this means that it keeps your attention. You feel like you can put down any other distractions and pay attention to what they have to say. Someone who is not attractive may make you feel uninterested. If you talk to someone and pay full attention to them, you are engaged, even if you aren't fully attracted. Sometimes, the smallest details you notice can spark a deeper interest. This can be the first step in a budding attraction, though.

Magnetism

This is an obvious synonym for attraction. Your attraction to someone feels as though you two are magnets that are being pulled towards each other by some force or outside influence. Magnets have been a classic comparison of attraction for a while because it's easy to visualize and understand. 

Pull

Sometimes, attraction can feel like the two of you are being pulled towards each other. As if you've been in front of a black hole that's sucking you in, attraction can be the same way. You feel almost helplessly drawn toward the person. Attraction, in general, can mean that one object is pulling another object to itself, which can be compared to sexual attraction.

Seduction

Seduction is an interesting synonym of attraction, as it implies that one party had power over the other. Both parties didn't come together with an attraction, but instead, one person almost put a spell on them in some way, making them feel like they had no control. Sometimes, the seducer did this on purpose, sometimes for their gain, but other times, they didn't mean to, and the seduction just came naturally. Other times, someone can say they were seduced because they ended up regretting the relationship.

Charm

When it comes to being attracted to someone, charm is an interesting synonym. You're attracted to someone based on some trait that makes you smile or keeps you attentive. Charming people may be funny, have a strong personality, or be confident with themselves. By engaging in that charm, you have some form of attractiveness to them.

Compatibility

This word is commonly used in dating sites, and it almost has a mechanical ring to it. But when it comes to attraction, compatibility is important. This is when you have traits in common. They can be personality traits, beliefs, or interests. 

Closeness

Some people measure their relationship with space. If you consider yourself close, the two of you are attracted to each other and are in good standing. Meanwhile, if you find yourself in conflict or not talking, you may say that you're drifting away. Attraction can feel like this, making it a good synonym all around.

Thing: A broad synonym for attraction

Sometimes, attractiveness can be a concept that can be hard to describe, especially when it comes to feelings of attraction. You may say that you have this thing for the person. This placeholder word for attraction is something that many will know what you're talking about without you saying it. Your attraction to someone can be unexplainable and, well, a thing.

Temptation

Sometimes, attraction to someone can break some taboos. For example, if you're already in a relationship and you end up being attracted to someone else, you may consider their attractive presence to be a temptation, where you feel like you're being tempted to cheat. Temptations can arise in other situations, such as being attracted to your coworker when you know that probably isn't a good idea.

Weakness

Whenever someone has an attractive trait, you may call it a weakness. You may consider attraction to be something that lets down your barriers mentally, and if someone has an attractive trait, it's your weakness. This can especially apply if the attractive trait is something you know you shouldn't be attracted to, like being attracted to a delinquent.

Getty
Attraction can have a variety of meanings
Learn more in online couples counseling

These are just a few synonyms for attraction that describe the feelings you have for someone, and they can be a valuable tool in expression. With the synonyms explained, what is the opposite of attraction?

Attraction synonyms and antonyms

We aren't going to go into a list of all the antonyms, but we can tell you that someone is repulsing the opposite of attraction. Something about them, be it physical, mental, or emotional, turns you off from them and makes you want to avoid them at all times. Sometimes, the lack of attraction is less severe. They may not be a bad person, but they aren't your type. It all depends on the situation.

Explore feelings related to attraction with a professional

Being attracted to someone is confusing, and it can be hard to process all your emotions. If you find yourself attracted to someone and don't know what to do, one thing you can do is to speak to a relationship counselor. A relationship counselor can explain why you're attracted to someone, what you can do about the attraction, and how to lessen the attraction if the relationship isn't meant to be.

Takeaway

Attraction is more than just the word of the day. Attraction is a complex process and one that will probably never be fully understood. Sometimes, we don't know why we're attracted to someone. The attraction may be due to our pasts or for some other reason entirely that we're not sure of. Either way, talking to someone can help you understand your attraction.

For Additional Help & Support With Your Concerns
Speak with a licensed therapist
This website is owned and operated by BetterHelp, who receives all fees associated with the platform.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Search
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet Started
This website is owned and operated by BetterHelp, who receives all fees associated with the platform.