attractive

adjective

at·​trac·​tive ə-ˈtrak-tiv 

1

a

: arousing interest or pleasure : charming

an attractive smile

b

: appealing

an attractive offer

2

: having or relating to the power to attract

attractive forces between molecules

attractively adverb

attractiveness noun

Synonyms

• alluring
• appealing
• bewitching
• captivating
• charismatic
• charming
• elfin
• enchanting
• engaging
• entrancing
• fascinating
• fetching
• glamorous
• glamourous
• luring
• magnetic
• seductive

Examples of attractive in a Sentence

An attractive woman greeted us at the door.

The camera has many attractive features at a very attractive price.

Recent Examples on the Web

But, at present, even that does not look especially attractive. —Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025

Normally, this would be when a rom-com manufactures some reason why these two attractive people can’t be together, but Heart Eyes has the advantage of also being a horror story about a serial killer who’s decided to make Seattle their latest hunting ground for couples. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025

Shapiro said the building’s space-efficient concept offers Fort Worth renters an option that may be attractive for those who don’t need flashy amenities that most apartment buildings come with, like a gym or pool. —Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Feb. 2025

Its exterior styling is contemporary and attractive, its cabin is classy and comfortable with plenty of room, and its enormous infotainment screen mixed with old-school buttons and knobs is effective for controlling it safely. —PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English attractif, attractive "drawing out foreign matter from the body, able to ingest nutriments," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French attractif, attratif, borrowed from Late Latin attractīvus "capable of attracting, drawing toward itself," from Latin attractus, past participle of attrahere "to draw with force, compel to come" + -īvus -ive — more at attract

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

attractive

adjective

at·​trac·​tive ə-ˈtrak-tiv 

: having the power or quality of attracting

especially : charming, pleasing

attractively adverb

attractiveness noun