Useful contrasts to “Attract” include “Repel”, “Repulse”, “Deter”, along with 12 other options below. Not every item is a strict dictionary antonym; some are contextual counterpoints that fit a particular meaning, stance, or situation.
Which Contrast to “Attract” Fits Best?
You are contrasting drawing interest or people closer with pushing them away, discouraging them, or failing to interest them. The quick list gives all 15 choices first; the notes below explain what each term contributes.
- Repel
- Repulse
- Deter
- Discourage
- Alienate
- Disgust
- Offend
- Put off
- Drive away
- Turn away
- Bore
- Disinterest
- Estrange
- Shun
- Avoid
Repel
“Repel” means creating an opposing force or response that pushes something away. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: In the “Attract” entry, the final draft used “Repel” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Repulse
“Repulse” describes causing strong aversion. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: For the “Attract” comparison, the editor selected “Repulse” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Deter
“Deter” means discouraging someone from approaching or acting. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: In the “Attract” guide, “Deter” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Discourage
“Discourage” reduces willingness or enthusiasm to continue. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: While revising the “Attract” example, the writer chose “Discourage” once the tone and meaning of the sentence were clear.
Alienate
“Alienate” causes people to feel socially or emotionally distanced. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: In the “Attract” entry, the final draft used “Alienate” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Disgust
“Disgust” produces strong dislike or revulsion. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: For the “Attract” comparison, the editor selected “Disgust” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Offend
“Offend” can drive people away by causing insult or discomfort. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: In the “Attract” guide, “Offend” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Put off
“Put off” is an informal phrase for making something less appealing. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: While revising the “Attract” example, the writer chose “Put off” once the tone and meaning of the sentence were clear.
Drive away
“Drive away” describes actively causing someone or something to move away. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: In the “Attract” entry, the final draft used “Drive away” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Turn away
“Turn away” focuses on redirecting interest or attention elsewhere. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: For the “Attract” comparison, the editor selected “Turn away” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Bore
“Bore” means failing to hold attention because the subject is uninteresting. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: In the “Attract” guide, “Bore” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Disinterest
“Disinterest” describes producing lack of interest rather than attraction. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: While revising the “Attract” example, the writer chose “Disinterest” once the tone and meaning of the sentence were clear.
Estrange
“Estrange” means damaging a relationship so that people become distant. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: In the “Attract” entry, the final draft used “Estrange” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Shun
“Shun” describes deliberately avoiding or rejecting association. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: For the “Attract” comparison, the editor selected “Shun” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Avoid
“Avoid” focuses on keeping away rather than being drawn toward. It contrasts with one aspect of “Attract”, so the relationship is contextual rather than universally antonymous.
Example: In the “Attract” guide, “Avoid” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Choosing the Right Contrast to “Attract”
These 15 items are contextual contrasts to “Attract”. Some oppose one meaning directly, while others represent a different position, response, or condition.