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 next

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 At the same time, though, the excitement around AI infrastructure spending has waned, and now the market seems as spooked by it than enticed. —

Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026 You may be enticed by a new set of stairs on the northeast side, next to the Bleymaier Football Center, but those are for people sitting in the eastside stands. —

Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026 Daines later said withdrawing earlier could have enticed a prominent Democrat like Tester to enter the race. —

Kirk Siegler, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026 These companies often entice authorities with free trials of surveillance equipment and promises of free access to their data in ways that bypass local oversight laws. —

Jess Reia, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice

Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice

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

Definition of tempt

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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 6 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of entice

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