May we count your visit with Google Analytics? It uses cookies and sends visit data to Google. You can change this any time under Cookie choices. Privacy

 Browse the A to Z list

Attractive

adj. joyful, calm everyday

What it means

Pleasing or appealing in appearance, character, or practical value.

Reach for it when praising something that invites interest without specifying one source of appeal

The courtyard is an attractive place to read during lunch.

Words to choose between 8

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
everyday
warm
professional
formal

  • everyday

    appealing

    Fits when the broad ability to attract interest is enough

    Careful Appealing can describe a request for help and does not always concern beauty.

  • warm

    beautiful

    Fits when visual or aesthetic excellence is the clear reason for praise

    Careful Beautiful is too narrow when price, convenience, or character creates the attraction.

  • warm

    charming

    Fits when distinctive small details create affection

    Careful Charm can coexist with imperfections, so it is not a claim of conventional attractiveness.

  • warm

    inviting

    Fits when the setting makes people feel welcome to enter or participate

    Careful Inviting concerns approachability more than appearance or lasting value.

  • professional

    compelling

    Fits when the case or offer strongly holds attention

    Careful Compelling suggests force of argument and is unsuitable for simple visual praise.

  • professional

    desirable

    Fits when the option is worth wanting for practical reasons

    Careful Desirable can sound calculating when complimenting a person's appearance.

  • formal

    elegant

    Fits when refined simplicity or proportion deserves emphasis

    Careful Elegance is a specific design quality, not a general synonym for appeal.

  • formal

    handsome

    Fits when dignified good looks suit a person, building, or amount

    Careful Handsome is gendered in some contexts and awkward for many products.

Opposites 3

  • unappealing
  • repellent
  • unsightly

Common phrases 4

  • attractive option

    Flexible scheduling made the apprenticeship an attractive option.

  • visually attractive

    The map is visually attractive without sacrificing legibility.

  • attractive feature

    The shaded balcony is an attractive feature in midsummer.

  • highly attractive

    The grant is highly attractive to small community workshops.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Neskaya, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated