lure 1 of 2

lure

2 of 2

noun

1
as in temptation
something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain the promise of easy money is always the lure for some people to play the lottery good schools are a lure for prospective home buyers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in bait
something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap the fish simply didn't seem to like the lure I was using, so I didn't catch a thing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in seduction
the act or pressure of giving in to a desire especially when ill-advised the lure of the video game was distracting me from my studies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb lure differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lure are decoy, entice, inveigle, seduce, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

When might decoy be a better fit than lure?

In some situations, the words decoy and lure are roughly equivalent. However, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When is entice a more appropriate choice than lure?

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

advertising designed to entice new customers

When is it sensible to use inveigle instead of lure?

While in some cases nearly identical to lure, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

Where would seduce be a reasonable alternative to lure?

Although the words seduce and lure have much in common, seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

When would tempt be a good substitute for lure?

The words tempt and lure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 lure
Verb
The United States relies heavily on chips imported from Taiwan, something then-President Joe Biden sought to reverse by granting billions in Chips Act awards to lure chipmakers to expand production in the country. Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025 Alexandra Schuler | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Vietnam has long been viewed as a successful example of embracing external trade, luring some of the largest companies in the world to establish hubs to manufacture everything from footwear to electronic products that grace shops around the world. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
Classified as a lipless crankbait, the lure is also very versatile. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2025 The Better Business Bureau warns about phishing attempts in which scammers use the promise of automatic payments for $1,400 stimulus checks as a lure to steal sensitive data. Mike Winters, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lure
Verb
  • If that’s not enough to tempt you, the set also comes with an insulated wine bag, an insulated cooler (which fits nicely in the basket), two food containers, and a fleece blanket.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2025
  • You may be tempted to cry into your beer over all of the recent problems with the economy and the rising prices of … well, everything.
    Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Resist the temptation to crowd too many vegetable plants into each container; often, only one per pot is best.
    Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025
  • But resisting the temptation to share on social media can be hard, especially when your day is filled with cool experiences.
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At about that time, Esslinger’s monster catch took the bait, and the fight was on.
    Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Nathan also had reportedly left a bucket of fishing bait in his car.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Ads like Carl’s Jr.’s are unsubtle seductions, but what is The Substance trying to seduce its viewers into experiencing and considering otherwise?
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025
  • The filmmakers’ gaze sometimes stops to watch a specific event, like a dance or a discreet seduction.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The musical’s first act opens with the Moulin Rouge on the verge of closing, unless Satine can seduce a wealthy duke into becoming its patron — but for the moment, these financial woes are hidden behind the club’s glamorous veneer.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Sherri Parlay, a good woman with a high libido, is seduced into murder by the beguiling heir to a dry-cleaning fortune.
    Sara Gran, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Trump administration is also working to undo incentives around clean energy, particularly the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
    Umair Irfan, Wired News, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Other countries that have tried similar monetary incentives have had mixed success.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jay Joyner, defensive end The Athletic, 5th round; PFF: 6th round, NFL.com: 5.97 (average backup or special teamer); RAS, 6.88 At 6-4, 262 pounds and with above-average testing, the Connecticut product will entice teams as an edge rusher.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Related article Marijuana ads are enticing kids to try weed, study says The potency of weed has skyrocketed over the years, which can heighten health risks and is leading to a global rise in marijuana addiction as well as cannabis use disorder, according to a 2022 study.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Embrace a tourist mindset by visiting new neighborhoods, local attractions, and events, creating the excitement and novelty of checking off a trip bucket list.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Summer is the peak travel season in most parts of the world, but spring—with its blissfully mild weather, sights of nature coming back to life, and more accessible accommodations and attractions—is an equally desirable time to plan a vacation.
    Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lure. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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