ENTICE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'entice' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of entice are decoy , inveigle , lure , seduce , and tempt . While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means. // advertising designed to entice new customers

Q: When is it sensible to use 'decoy' instead of 'entice'?

While the synonyms decoy and entice are close in meaning, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice. // attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

Q: Where would 'inveigle' be a reasonable alternative to 'entice'?

The words inveigle and entice can be used in similar contexts, but inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering. // fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

Q: In what contexts can 'lure' take the place of 'entice'?

Although the words lure and entice have much in common, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving. // lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

Q: When could 'seduce' be used to replace 'entice'?

The meanings of seduce and entice largely overlap; however, seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises. // seduced by assurances of assistance

Q: When would 'tempt' be a good substitute for 'entice'?

In some situations, the words tempt and entice are roughly equivalent. However, 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

entice

verb

in-ˈtīs

Definition of entice

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage every commercial seemed to be for some tempting snack specifically designed to entice me from my diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb entice differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of entice are decoy, inveigle, lure, seduce, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When is it sensible to use decoy instead of entice?

While the synonyms decoy and entice are close in meaning, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

Where would inveigle be a reasonable alternative to entice?

The words inveigle and entice can be used in similar contexts, but inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

In what contexts can lure take the place of entice?

Although the words lure and entice have much in common, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

When could seduce be used to replace entice?

The meanings of seduce and entice largely overlap; however, seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

When would tempt be a good substitute for entice?

In some situations, the words tempt and entice are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of entice During the mid-2000s, some tribal members, enticed by a chance at life-changing money, got involved in moving people and drugs, fueling cycles of arrest and incarceration that exacerbated challenges the community was already facing. — Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2026 As the midterms near, leaders across the party have been meeting with MAHA activists, discussing potential openings with consultants, and rolling out food and environmental agendas meant to entice these voters. — Daniel Payne, STAT, 7 Oct. 2026 Caruso has been charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse inflicting mental injury. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 Whether or not Hal was right to entice Zoe (upon whose shoulders the carnage ultimately falls), his decision to circumvent the Guardians’ chain of command is what ultimately leads to countless deaths and his imprisonment for reckless endangerment. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice

Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice

Verb

Many clients are tempted to move to a low-tax locale like Florida or Texas before a big exit.

— Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Libra September 23 – October 22 You may be tempted to spend, commit, or say yes a little too quickly this morning.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of tempt

Verb

Armani’s languid silhouette soon seduced red- and blue-blooded men the world over.

— Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
The second allows the devil to slide into his DMs, utilizing a seduce-and-destroy approach that will eventually lead to Sutskever becoming OpenAI’s resident Chicken Little and the tech industry’s conscientious objector.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of seduce

Verb

Janabi said one of the biggest challenges has been persuading those who are infected to seek medical assistance, adding that some deaths occur in the community outside of health centers.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Mamut and Grönberg were persuaded by Paul Best, a new arrival at Elliott, who believed that the eclipse of brick-and-mortar retail by online commerce had been overstated, and that certain chains could flourish if well capitalized.

— Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of persuade

Browse Nearby Words

enthusing

entice

enticed

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“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of entice

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