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 Miami could entice a team by offering a second day draft sweetener, but that would be painful for the Dolphins new regime, which places a premium on draft picks, as was reiterated by sources. —

Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 With no first-rounders to trade, the Wolves would have had to move a bevy of players, likely including three of Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid to acquire the picks to entice the Bucks into making a move. —

Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026 The renovation of the property and construction of the private club also revealed some unexpected surprises likely to entice new members. —

Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026 For some, these are simply buzzwords, meant to entice travelers searching for a seemingly authentic experience. —

Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice

Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice

Verb

Leave room in your suitcase or car trunk, you'll be tempted to load up on bulk spices, global snacks, and sweets from the bakery after visiting.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
With Venus reaching from your resourceful 2nd house to square Uranus in your playful 5th house, you may be tempted to challenge your budget.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of entice

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