entice

verb

en·​tice in-ˈtīs How to pronounce entice (audio)
en-
enticed; enticing
Synonyms of entice

transitive verb

: to attract artfully or adroitly or by arousing hope or desire : tempt
enticement
in-ˈtī-smənt How to pronounce entice (audio)
en-
noun

Synonyms of entice

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lure, entice, inveigle, decoy, tempt, seduce mean to lead astray from one's true course.

lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

tempt implies the presenting of an attraction so strong that it overcomes the restraints of conscience or better judgment.

tempted by the offer of money

seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

Examples of entice in a Sentence

every commercial seemed to be for some tempting snack specifically designed to entice me from my diet
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Swiss cinema is resonating domestically and abroad as homegrown films and international co-productions continue to entice local audiences and festival goers around the globe. — Ed Meza, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 Once viewed only as a source of capital, today Saudi Arabia is enticing technology companies to come and do business. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026 All of this casts doubt on whether the event will pull the kind of star power that entices TV networks to break their regular prime-time programming and compel viewers to skip an NFL game to tune in. — Daniel Strauss, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Now, a federal program that entices investments in distressed communities relies on the cohesive qualities of local areas to ensure a welcome place for new businesses. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enticer, from Vulgar Latin *intitiare, from Latin in- + titio firebrand

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of entice was in the 14th century

Rhymes for entice

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Browse Nearby Words

enthymeme
entice
enticement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entice. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

entice

verb
en·​tice in-ˈtīs How to pronounce entice (audio)
enticed; enticing
: to attract by arousing hope or desire : tempt
enticement
-mənt How to pronounce entice (audio)
noun
enticingly
-iŋ-lē How to pronounce entice (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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