SEDUCE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of seduce are decoy , entice , inveigle , lure , and tempt . While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises. // seduced by assurances of assistance

Q: In what contexts can 'decoy' take the place of 'seduce'?

While in some cases nearly identical to seduce , decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice. // attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

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

The synonyms entice and seduce are sometimes interchangeable, but entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means. // advertising designed to entice new customers

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

While the synonyms inveigle and seduce are close in meaning, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering. // fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lure' instead of 'seduce'?

The words lure and seduce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving. // lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

Q: Where would 'tempt' be a reasonable alternative to 'seduce'?

In some situations, the words tempt and seduce 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

seduce

verb

si-ˈdüs

Definition of seduce

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage I wasn't going to buy the car, but was seduced by the low-interest payment plan

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How does the verb seduce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of seduce are decoy, entice, inveigle, lure, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

In what contexts can decoy take the place of seduce?

While in some cases nearly identical to seduce, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When would entice be a good substitute for seduce?

The synonyms entice and seduce are sometimes interchangeable, but entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When could inveigle be used to replace seduce?

While the synonyms inveigle and seduce are close in meaning, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When is it sensible to use lure instead of seduce?

The words lure and seduce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

Where would tempt be a reasonable alternative to seduce?

In some situations, the words tempt and seduce 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 seduce Nevertheless, don’t be seduced by someone else (or even yourself), because things are not clear today. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026 Sal knows how to properly spark a Zippo, seduce women, shuck oysters, throw a punch, and other Badass Masshole 101 lessons. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 This is not the beautiful creature who seduces Odysseus in the poem. — ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026 In the video, then-23-year-old Gugino plays a young woman who, after her rock star boyfriend cheats on her with her best friend, seduces an artist painting her portrait. — Scott Huver, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for seduce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seduce

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

Verb

The high-concept thriller stars Valeria Bruni Tedeschi as a demonic character called The Stranger, who entices a young mother played by Jasmine Trinca into forging a Faustian pact.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 3 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

Definition of entice

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seduced

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“Seduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seduce. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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