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

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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 The paparazzi, fans, money and endless opportunities entice me. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 Some are working to entice larger systems to buy them, hoping to fortify their finances. — Daniel Payne, STAT, 25 Aug. 2026 Many international carriers offer these free mini-visits as a way to entice travelers to visit their home country or city. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026 Still, the cash rewards may entice others at a time when SpaceX has been aggressive in trying to attract more users to the satellite internet service. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice

Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice

Verb

The people featured in the 11th annual installment of this uplifting exercise help the less fortunate, tend to the environment, tempt our taste buds, help budding entrepreneurs thrive, minister to the downtrodden and more.

— Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
He may be tempted to give the same players another run this weekend.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of tempt

Verb

But persuading other American companies to follow Chevron into Venezuela remains one of Washington’s biggest challenges.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
Proponents may face an uphill battle persuading Newsom to sign the bill, which creates a unique revenue stream to pay for the program.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of persuade

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enthusing

entice

enticed

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“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of entice

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