Antonyms for “attract” include words like repel, deter, discourage, alienate, and push away. These terms describe actions or qualities that drive others back, rather than drawing them in—whether it’s people, attention, or interest.
Knowing the opposite of attract is helpful when describing situations where interest is lost, people turn away, or something causes disapproval. Whether you’re writing about social interactions, advertising, relationships, or magnetic forces, these antonyms help you communicate contrast with precision and clarity.
Defining “Attract”
The verb “attract” means to draw by appealing to interest or affection; to cause to approach or adhere. It implies a positive force that draws something or someone closer.
“Attract” can be used in both literal and figurative senses. Literally, it can refer to physical attraction, such as a magnet attracting metal.
Figuratively, it can describe attracting attention, customers, or opportunities.
Classification: “Attract” is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. For example, “The magnet attracts metal.” Here, “metal” is the direct object of “attract.”
Function: The primary function of “attract” is to describe the action of drawing something towards something else. This action can be intentional or unintentional, and the force behind it can be physical, emotional, or psychological.
Contexts: “Attract” is used in a wide range of contexts, including:
- Science: Describing the force of gravity or magnetism.
- Business: Referring to attracting customers or investors.
- Personal Relationships: Describing romantic or platonic attraction.
- Marketing: Discussing strategies to attract attention to a product or service.
- Nature: Explaining how flowers attract pollinators.
Structural Breakdown of “Attract”
The word “attract” is formed from the prefix “at-” (meaning “to” or “toward”) and the root “tract” (meaning “draw” or “pull”). This etymology provides insight into the word’s core meaning of drawing something closer.
Grammatically, “attract” follows standard verb conjugation rules. Here are a few examples:
- Present Tense: I attract, you attract, he/she/it attracts, we attract, they attract
- Past Tense: I attracted, you attracted, he/she/it attracted, we attracted, they attracted
- Future Tense: I will attract, you will attract, he/she/it will attract, we will attract, they will attract
- Present Participle: attracting
- Past Participle: attracted
The word “attract” can also be used in various grammatical structures, such as:
- Active Voice: The bright colors attract bees.
- Passive Voice: Bees are attracted by the bright colors.
- Infinitive: To attract more customers, the store offered discounts.
- Gerund: Attracting new clients is essential for business growth.
Opposite of Attract
Antonyms for “attract” vary depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Here are several categories with detailed explanations:
Repel
“Repel” is perhaps the most direct antonym of “attract.” It means to drive away or ward off. It suggests a force that pushes something away, the opposite of attraction.
Deter
“Deter” means to discourage or restrain someone from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences. It implies preventing attraction indirectly, by making something undesirable.
Discourage
“Discourage” means to cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm. It’s similar to “deter” but often involves emotional or psychological factors rather than direct force.
Reject
“Reject” means to refuse to accept or consider something. It implies a conscious decision to not be attracted to something, often after initial consideration.
Ignore
“Ignore” means to pay no attention to something. It suggests a lack of interest or response, effectively negating any potential attraction.
Alienate
“Alienate” means to cause someone to feel isolated or estranged. It implies actively pushing someone away, resulting in a loss of attraction or connection.
Repulse
“Repulse” is a stronger version of “repel,” suggesting a feeling of disgust or revulsion. It implies a strong negative reaction that actively drives someone or something away.
Dissuade
“Dissuade” means to persuade someone not to do something. It involves actively convincing someone to avoid something they might otherwise be attracted to.
Examples of Antonyms in Use
The following tables provide examples of how each antonym can be used in sentences, illustrating their different shades of meaning. Each table contains 20-30 examples.
Examples with “Repel”
The word “repel” is often used in scientific and everyday contexts to describe the action of pushing something away. The following examples illustrate its use.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The magnet repels the other magnet when the poles are aligned incorrectly. | Physics |
| Bug spray repels mosquitoes, allowing us to enjoy the outdoors. | Everyday Life |
| Her rude behavior repelled potential friends. | Social Interaction |
| The strong odor repelled the customers from the store. | Business |
| The force field repelled the incoming projectiles. | Science Fiction |
| The thorny bushes repel animals from entering the garden. | Gardening |
| His arrogance repelled any attempts at reconciliation. | Personal Relationships |
| The antiseptic solution repels bacteria from the wound. | Medicine |
| The negative reviews repelled me from seeing the movie. | Entertainment |
| The high prices repel budget-conscious travelers. | Travel |
| The fence is designed to repel intruders. | Security |
| The oilcloth repels water, keeping the table dry. | Household |
| The politician’s controversial statements repelled many voters. | Politics |
| The scarecrow repels birds from the cornfield. | Agriculture |
| The electric fence repels cattle. | Farming |
| The smell of garlic is said to repel vampires. | Mythology |
| His constant complaining repelled his coworkers. | Workplace |
| The paint is designed to repel graffiti. | Urban Planning |
| The defensive system is designed to repel attacks. | Military |
| The unpleasant atmosphere repelled visitors. | Tourism |
| The sharp edges repel people from touching the exhibit. | Museums |
| The high interest rates repel potential borrowers. | Finance |
| The rough texture repels dust and dirt. | Materials Science |
| The dark clouds seemed to repel the sunlight. | Meteorology |
| The company’s poor reputation repelled potential investors. | Business |
Examples with “Deter”
The verb “deter” implies preventing someone from doing something through fear or doubt. The following examples showcase its use in various contexts.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The high cost of parking deters many people from driving downtown. | Urban Planning |
| The security cameras deter crime in the neighborhood. | Law Enforcement |
| The threat of punishment deters students from cheating. | Education |
| The bad weather deters us from going to the beach. | Leisure |
| The difficulty of the task deters some people from attempting it. | Personal Development |
| The potential for failure deters her from taking risks. | Psychology |
| The strict regulations deter companies from polluting the environment. | Environmental Protection |
| The fear of public speaking deters many from pursuing leadership roles. | Career Development |
| The complexity of the software deters new users. | Technology |
| The long lines deter customers from visiting the store. | Retail |
| The steep fines deter drivers from speeding. | Traffic Laws |
| The rumors of layoffs deter employees from investing in the company. | Business |
| The challenging curriculum deters some students from enrolling in the course. | Education |
| The risk of infection deters people from using public restrooms. | Public Health |
| The high interest rates deter people from taking out loans. | Finance |
| The thought of failure deters him from pursuing his dreams. | Personal Motivation |
| The heavy traffic deters people from commuting by car. | Transportation |
| The strict security measures deter terrorists. | National Security |
| The fear of getting lost deters hikers from exploring new trails. | Recreation |
| The potential for embarrassment deters her from singing in public. | Performance Arts |
| The legal repercussions deter companies from engaging in unethical practices. | Business Ethics |
| The graphic warning labels deter smokers from buying cigarettes. | Public Health |
| The constant criticism deters children from expressing themselves creatively. | Child Development |
| The outdated technology deters customers from using the service. | Technology |
Examples with “Discourage”
“Discourage” implies causing someone to lose enthusiasm or confidence. The following examples illustrate its use.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The teacher’s negative feedback discouraged the student from writing. | Education |
| The lack of support discouraged her from pursuing her dreams. | Personal Development |
| The constant setbacks discouraged the team from continuing the project. | Business |
| The high failure rate discouraged many students from taking the course. | Education |
| The criticism discouraged him from sharing his ideas. | Communication |
| The overwhelming workload discouraged employees from taking on new responsibilities. | Workplace |
| The difficult living conditions discouraged people from immigrating to the country. | Immigration |
| The lack of resources discouraged the researchers from conducting further studies. | Research |
| The bad reviews discouraged potential customers from buying the product. | Marketing |
| The slow progress discouraged her from continuing the exercise program. | Fitness |
| The negative comments discouraged her from posting her artwork online. | Art |
| The lack of funding discouraged the organization from providing services. | Nonprofit |
| The constant rejections discouraged him from submitting his manuscript. | Writing |
| The strict rules discouraged creativity and innovation. | Corporate Culture |
| The lack of recognition discouraged volunteers from participating. | Volunteer Work |
| The pessimistic outlook discouraged others from pursuing ambitious goals. | Motivation |
| The rising costs discouraged families from going on vacation. | Travel |
| The challenging environment discouraged newcomers from staying in the town. | Community |
| The outdated technology discouraged businesses from investing in the region. | Economics |
| The lack of opportunities discouraged young people from remaining in the rural area. | Demographics |
| The constant pressure discouraged athletes from enjoying the sport. | Sports |
| The bureaucratic red tape discouraged entrepreneurs from starting new businesses. | Entrepreneurship |
| The low salaries discouraged qualified candidates from applying for the job. | Human Resources |
| The lack of transparency discouraged citizens from trusting the government. | Politics |
Examples with “Reject”
“Reject” means to refuse to accept or consider something. The following examples show how to use “reject” in different scenarios.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The company rejected his job application due to lack of experience. | Employment |
| The editor rejected the manuscript because it didn’t fit the publication’s style. | Publishing |
| The committee rejected the proposal due to budget constraints. | Finance |
| She rejected his offer of marriage. | Relationships |
| The body rejected the transplanted organ. | Medicine |
| The voters rejected the new tax law. | Politics |
| The machine rejected the counterfeit coin. | Technology |
| The school rejected her application because of low grades. | Education |
| He rejected their help, preferring to do it himself. | Independence |
| The restaurant rejected our reservation because they were fully booked. | Hospitality |
| The bank rejected the loan application due to poor credit history. | Finance |
| The website rejected the password because it was too weak. | Cybersecurity |
| The gallery rejected the painting, saying it was not in line with their current theme. | Art |
| The country rejected the treaty, citing national security concerns. | International Relations |
| The software program rejected the invalid data entry. | Computer Science |
| The community rejected the plan to build a new highway through their neighborhood. | Urban Planning |
| The company rejected the merger proposal from its competitor. | Business |
| The jury rejected the defendant’s alibi. | Law |
| The scientist rejected the hypothesis after conducting the experiment. | Science |
| The organization rejected the donation because it came with too many conditions. | Philanthropy |
| The government rejected the refugee’s asylum claim. | Immigration |
| The consumer rejected the defective product and demanded a refund. | Consumer Rights |
| The hospital rejected the patient’s request for experimental treatment. | Healthcare |
| The team rejected the proposed strategy and decided to try a different approach. | Teamwork |
Examples with “Ignore”
“Ignore” means to pay no attention to something. Here are several examples demonstrating its use.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| She tried to ignore the pain in her leg and keep running. | Endurance |
| He chose to ignore the warning signs and proceeded with the risky investment. | Finance |
| The teacher ignored the students’ disruptive behavior. | Classroom Management |
| The driver ignored the red light and caused an accident. | Traffic Safety |
| She ignored his calls after their argument. | Relationships |
| The government ignored the pleas of the environmental activists. | Politics |
| The company ignored the complaints from its customers. | Customer Service |
| He ignored the advice of his doctors and continued his unhealthy lifestyle. | Health |
| The website ignored the user’s privacy settings. | Cybersecurity |
| She ignored the rumors and focused on her work. | Professionalism |
| The city ignored the decaying infrastructure. | Urban Development |
| The scientist ignored the conflicting data and continued with the original theory. | Science |
| The manager ignored the employee’s concerns about workplace safety. | Workplace Safety |
| The country ignored the international sanctions. | International Relations |
| The software program ignored the user’s input. | Computer Programming |
| The community ignored the needs of the homeless population. | Social Issues |
| The corporation ignored its ethical responsibilities. | Business Ethics |
| The judge ignored the evidence presented by the defense. | Law |
| The musician ignored the audience’s booing. | Performance Arts |
| The author ignored the critics’ negative reviews. | Literature |
| The parents ignored their child’s cries for attention. | Parenting |
| The museum ignored the requests for disability access. | Accessibility |
| The team ignored the coach’s instructions. | Sports |
| The administrator ignored the students’ requests for more resources. | Education |
Examples with “Alienate”
“Alienate” means to cause someone to feel isolated or estranged. The following examples provide context for its usage.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| His rude behavior alienated his friends. | Social Interactions |
| The company’s policies alienated its employees. | Workplace Culture |
| The politician’s divisive rhetoric alienated many voters. | Politics |
| The strict rules alienated the creative members of the team. | Team Dynamics |
| Her constant criticism alienated her family. | Family Relationships |
| The organization’s exclusive practices alienated potential members. | Community Engagement |
| The government’s policies alienated minority groups. | Social Justice |
| The website’s confusing design alienated new users. | User Experience |
| His controversial opinions alienated many of his followers. | Online Community |
| The school’s rigid curriculum alienated students with different learning styles. | Education |
| The business’s lack of transparency alienated its customers. | Business Ethics |
| The country’s isolationist policies alienated it from the international community. | International Relations |
| The artist’s avant-garde style alienated traditional art critics. | Art |
| The manager’s micromanagement alienated the employees. | Management Styles |
| The community’s insensitivity alienated the newcomers. | Community Integration |
| The university’s high tuition costs alienated students from low-income families. | Education Access |
| The company’s environmental negligence alienated environmentally conscious consumers. | Corporate Responsibility |
| The government’s corruption alienated the citizens. | Political Trust |
| The healthcare system’s inefficiencies alienated patients. | Healthcare Access |
| The organization’s bureaucratic processes alienated volunteers. | Volunteer Management |
| The constant negativity alienated the team members. | Team Morale |
| The professor’s condescending attitude alienated the students. | Academic Environment |
| The company’s unethical business practices alienated its investors. | Financial Ethics |
| The country’s human rights violations alienated its allies. | Diplomacy |
Examples with “Repulse”
“Repulse” is a stronger form of “repel,” implying disgust or revulsion. These examples show how “repulse” is used.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The sight of the decaying food repulsed him. | Sensory Experience |
| His cruel behavior repulsed everyone who knew him. | Social Interactions |
| The stench of the garbage repulsed her. | Sensory Experience |
| The movie’s graphic violence repulsed many viewers. | Entertainment |
| The politician’s corrupt actions repulsed the voters. | Politics |
| The company’s unethical practices repulsed investors. | Business Ethics |
| The doctor was repulsed by the unsanitary conditions in the hospital. | Healthcare |
| She was repulsed by his arrogance and self-importance. | Personal Interactions |
| The smell of the chemical spill repulsed the residents. | Environmental Disasters |
| The thought of eating insects repulsed him. | Food Preferences |
| The sight of blood repulsed her. | Sensory Experience |
| The interviewer was repulsed by the candidate’s lack of preparation. | Job Interviews |
| The audience was repulsed by the performer’s offensive jokes. | Performance Arts |
| The community was repulsed by the vandalism of the monument. | Community Values |
| The patient was repulsed by the invasive medical procedure. | Medical Procedures |
| The teacher was repulsed by the student’s plagiarism. | Academic Honesty |
| The chef was repulsed by the sight of the contaminated ingredients. | Food Safety |
| The investigator was repulsed by the evidence at the crime scene. | Forensic Science |
| The tourist was repulsed by the poverty and inequality in the region. | Social Awareness |
| The humanitarian worker was repulsed by the suffering of the refugees. | Humanitarian Aid |
| The animal lover was repulsed by the cruelty exhibited in the factory farm. | Animal Rights |
| The environmentalist was repulsed by the pollution and deforestation. | Environmental Protection |
| The human rights activist was repulsed by the stories of torture and oppression. | Human Rights |
| The journalist was repulsed by the lies and misinformation spread by the propaganda. | Journalism Ethics |
Examples with “Dissuade”
“Dissuade” means to persuade someone not to do something. Here are some examples of how to use “dissuade.”
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| I tried to dissuade him from quitting his job. | Career Advice |
| She dissuaded her friend from making a rash decision. | Personal Relationships |
| The parents dissuaded their child from playing with fire. | Child Safety |
| The advisor dissuaded the student from taking too many courses. | Academic Advising |
| He dissuaded her from investing in the risky venture. | Financial Advice |
| The doctor dissuaded the patient from undergoing unnecessary surgery. | Medical Ethics |
| The lawyer dissuaded the client from pursuing the frivolous lawsuit. | Legal Advice |
| The environmentalist dissuaded people from using single-use plastics. | Environmental Advocacy |
| The security guard dissuaded the trespasser from entering the building. | Security Measures |
| The coach dissuaded the athlete from pushing himself too hard. | Sports Training |
| The teacher dissuaded the students from cheating on the exam. | Academic Integrity |
| The negotiator dissuaded the parties from escalating the conflict. | Conflict Resolution |
| The diplomat dissuaded the country from declaring war. | International Diplomacy |
| The mentor dissuaded the mentee from giving up on their dreams. | Mentorship |
| The lifeguard dissuaded the swimmer from going too far out. | Water Safety |
| The flight attendant dissuaded the passenger from opening the emergency exit. | Aviation Safety |
| The police officer dissuaded the driver from driving under the influence. | Traffic Safety |
| The therapist dissuaded the patient from engaging in self-destructive behavior. | Mental Health |
| The financial advisor dissuaded the client from making impulsive investment decisions. | Financial Planning |
| The career counselor dissuaded the student from choosing a career based solely on salary. | Career Guidance |
| The nutritionist dissuaded the patient from following fad diets. | Nutrition |
| The fitness trainer dissuaded the client from overtraining. | Fitness |
| The addiction specialist dissuaded the addict from relapsing. | Addiction Recovery |
| The peace activist dissuaded the protesters from resorting to violence. | Peaceful Protest |
Usage Rules for Antonyms of “Attract”
The correct usage of antonyms for “attract” depends heavily on the context. Here are general guidelines:
- Repel: Use when describing a direct physical or metaphorical pushing away. It often implies a force or barrier.
- Deter: Use when something discourages or prevents an action by instilling fear or doubt.
- Discourage: Use when something causes a loss of enthusiasm or confidence.
- Reject: Use when there is a conscious refusal to accept or consider something.
- Ignore: Use when there is a deliberate lack of attention or response.
- Alienate: Use when someone is made to feel isolated or estranged.
- Repulse: Use when something evokes disgust or revulsion.
- Dissuade: Use when someone is persuaded not to do something.
Exceptions: Some contexts may allow for interchangeable use of certain antonyms, but it’s important to consider the subtle differences in meaning to choose the most appropriate word. For example, in some cases, “deter” and “discourage” might both be suitable, but “deter” emphasizes the preventive aspect, while “discourage” focuses on the loss of enthusiasm.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using antonyms for “attract”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The smell attracted the flies. (Intended: repelled) | The smell repelled the flies. | Using “attracted” instead of “repelled” reverses the meaning. |
| The high prices encouraged customers. (Intended: deterred) | The high prices deterred customers. | “Encouraged” has the opposite meaning of what is intended. |
| She was attracting by his rudeness. (Intended: repulsed) | She was repulsed by his rudeness. | “Attracting” is incorrect here; “repulsed” conveys the feeling of disgust. |
| He accepted her offer. (Intended: rejected) | He rejected her offer. | “Accepted” is the opposite of “rejected.” |
| They paid attention to the problem. (Intended: ignored) | They ignored the problem. | “Paid attention” is the opposite of “ignored.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of antonyms for “attract” with these exercises:
Exercise 1: Choose the best antonym for “
attract” in the following sentences:
- The advertisement failed to ______ customers. (repel, deter, attract)
- His arrogance ______ potential partners. (attracted, alienated, encouraged)
- The warning signs ______ hikers from climbing the dangerous peak. (attracted, dissuaded, helped)
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using an antonym of “attract”:
- The bright lights attract moths.
- The opportunity attracted many investors.
- Her kindness attracted new friends.
Exercise 3: Fill in the blank with the most appropriate antonym of “attract”:
- The foul odor from the landfill ______ residents from moving nearby.
- The strict policies of the company ______ creativity and innovation.
- The candidate’s controversial remarks ______ many voters.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring the nuances of contextual antonyms and how they relate to “attract.” For example, consider the following:
- Contextual Antonyms: Words that act as antonyms only in specific situations. For example, “neglect” can be an antonym for “attract” in the context of attention.
- Phrasal Antonyms: Phrases that function as antonyms. For example, “turn off” or “put off” can act as antonyms for “attract” in certain contexts.
- Figurative Language: How metaphors and similes can use antonyms of “attract” to create vivid imagery and convey complex emotions.
Further research into these areas will deepen your understanding of the subtleties of language and improve your ability to communicate effectively.
FAQ
Are “repel” and “repulse” interchangeable?
While both words convey the opposite of “attract,” “repulse” is stronger and implies disgust or revulsion, whereas “repel” simply means to push away.
Is “ignore” always an antonym of “attract”?
In many contexts, yes. However, it depends on what is being ignored.
If ignoring something leads to a lack of engagement that would otherwise occur, then it functions as an antonym. For example, ignoring an opportunity is the opposite of attracting investment.
How do I choose the right antonym for “attract”?
Consider the specific meaning you want to convey. Do you want to emphasize a direct pushing away (repel), a discouragement (deter), or a conscious decision to not accept something (reject)?
The context will guide your choice.
Can a single word have multiple antonyms for “attract”?
Yes, depending on the context. The richness of the English language allows for various words to express different facets of opposition to “attract.”
Conclusion
Mastering the antonyms of “attract” allows for more precise and nuanced communication. By understanding the subtle differences between words like “repel,” “deter,” “discourage,” “reject,” “ignore,” “alienate,” “repulse,” and “dissuade,” you can effectively convey a wide range of meanings and enhance your writing and speaking skills.
This comprehensive guide provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to expand their vocabulary and improve their understanding of the English language. Remember to consider the context carefully when choosing the most appropriate antonym.