inveigle

Definition of inveiglenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inveigle differ from other similar words?

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

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When is it sensible to use decoy instead of inveigle?

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

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When might entice be a better fit than inveigle?

Although the words entice and inveigle have much in common, entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When could lure be used to replace inveigle?

The words lure and inveigle can be used in similar contexts, but lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

When is seduce a more appropriate choice than inveigle?

While the synonyms seduce and inveigle are close in meaning, seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

In what contexts can tempt take the place of inveigle?

The meanings of tempt and inveigle largely overlap; 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 inveigle Unlike his small-time Israeli rivals, the placards implied, Netanyahu was a savvy statesman who punched above his weight on the international stage, thanks to his unaccented English oratory and ability to inveigle the world’s most powerful people. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025 On hand for the séance is a thoroughly skeptical Poirot, inveigled to attend by a mystery-novelist friend, Ariadne Oliver. Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Sep. 2023 Norman Mailer tried to inveigle his dinner guests into an orgy, and not long after wrote a cruel letter to Styron, breaking off their friendship. Marion Winik, Washington Post, 15 June 2023 Another threat that is likely to inveigle itself into the Web3 domain is phishing. Andrew Newman, Forbes, 4 May 2022 All of those thinly veiled efforts to inveigle an answer are met with a stock response. New York Times, 26 Nov. 2021 The two cell-surface proteins that SARS-CoV-2 uses to make contact with its target cells and inveigle its way into them would fit into this category. The Economist, 20 Aug. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inveigle
Verb
  • Influencers have become a routine part of persuading voters in local, state and national races as legacy media’s reach has waned, though there are few laws on the books regulating them.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
  • Neither leader elaborated on what persuaded them about the possibility of peace in Europe’s longest conflict since World War II.
    Hanna Arhirova, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Picture yourself in a boat on the Riviera… Most rock superstars have been seduced by the glamor of the Cannes Film Festival at some point in their career.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 May 2026
  • This is her chance to seduce the audience as well as her onscreen co-star Callum Turner.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Lifting the interest rates paid for deposits that banks park at the Fed would entice lenders to divert dollars from checking and savings accounts to the Central Bank, curbing the loan portfolios that fuel expenditures across the economy.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 May 2026
  • But to get there, Kalshi and Polymarket need to entice market-makers like Citadel Securities and Jane Street to take the other side of whatever bet these platforms’ vibe-surfing users want to make.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • In some cases, the clipping agencies might have launched them on their own to lure prospective clients or astroturf themselves.
    Lane Brown, Vulture, 15 May 2026
  • There’s a particularly tragic scene where Natalia, lured on holiday by Elsa, spots a small child innocently giggling at the table across from her at dinner.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Travelers may be tempted to chase clear skies at the last minute, but that strategy could be difficult if many others have the same idea on limited roads.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • There, the plan is for mid-size vehicles, but also products far smaller that can tempt some of Honda’s 6 million Indian motorcycle customers to trade up to something more expensive with twice as many wheels.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • McGregor, 37, is considered the biggest draw in the sport’s history.
    Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 17 May 2026
  • Their final fixture is Leeds, who held Tottenham to a draw in their previous outing and have conceded fewer chances than almost any side in the division.
    Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inveigle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveigle. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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