Definition of beguilenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb beguile differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of beguile are deceive, delude, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is deceive a more appropriate choice than beguile?

While the synonyms deceive and beguile are close in meaning, deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

When would delude be a good substitute for beguile?

The meanings of delude and beguile largely overlap; however, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

In what contexts can mislead take the place of beguile?

The words mislead and beguile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

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 beguile The amendments contain a gimmick meant to beguile the opposition. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026 And then in those late nineteen-sixties and early seventies the politician Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had found the magic words with which to beguile an unsophisticated electorate—equality, power to the people, distribution of wealth and nationalizations—and so all those ideas were eddying about. Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025 Even as disembodied typists, the bots can beguile. Damon Beres, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2025 In the five years just before war set in, these were among the dwellings that had beguiled Heinz Gaube (1940–2022), a German academic at the Oriental Seminar of the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. JSTOR Daily, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beguile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beguile
Verb
  • The cause of brain freeze fascinates neurologists and Slurpee lovers alike, and the science behind it is especially captivating.
    Julia Daye, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Despite being so vocal, Cudi still retains a mystique quality that fascinates fans.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The specifications on the Neo can be deceiving.
    Dwight Silverman, Houston Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Klipsch Austin Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deal Don't be deceived by the small Klipsch Austin portable speaker.
    George Yang, PC Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Don’t be tempted by seedlings in the nursery.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • If a hobby upgrade tempts you, open a spreadsheet to compare options before opening your wallet!
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But the open kitchen concept, with local produce and jars of pickles on display for guests to touch, taste, and smell, makes going off-menu just as enticing—just ask the chef for suggestions.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The synopsis, just like the film's title, fails to prepare viewers for the level of chaos the film brings, which Matarazzo says enticed him.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Don't let some cloudy skies fool you.
    Brian Smith, Des Moines Register, 25 Mar. 2026
  • But don’t let its stillness in the videos fool you.
    Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Intrigued, the Duke secretly seduces Gilda, breaks her heart and destroys Rigoletto’s life.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Tommy disburses stuffings and sauces to hungry locals as the GIs seduced their grandmothers with Camels and nylon stockings.
    Dominic Green, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The ball circled the rim twice before dropping on Friday night, delighting Duke and its fans and crushing LSU.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Not long before Brettler's death, Sharma had learned the kid had tricked him.
    Frank Langfitt, NPR, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Read how North Korean hackers tricked Ben and got into his computer.
    Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beguile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beguile. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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