SEDUCE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'seduce' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of seduce are decoy , entice , inveigle , lure , and tempt . While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises. // seduced by assurances of assistance

Q: In what contexts can 'decoy' take the place of 'seduce'?

While in some cases nearly identical to seduce , decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice. // attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

Q: When would 'entice' be a good substitute for 'seduce'?

The synonyms entice and seduce are sometimes interchangeable, but entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means. // advertising designed to entice new customers

Q: When could 'inveigle' be used to replace 'seduce'?

While the synonyms inveigle and seduce are close in meaning, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering. // fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lure' instead of 'seduce'?

The words lure and seduce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving. // lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

Q: Where would 'tempt' be a reasonable alternative to 'seduce'?

In some situations, the words tempt and seduce 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

seduce

verb

si-ˈdüs

Definition of seduce next

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage I wasn't going to buy the car, but was seduced by the low-interest payment plan

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How does the verb seduce differ from other similar words?

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

seduced by assurances of assistance

In what contexts can decoy take the place of seduce?

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

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When would entice be a good substitute for seduce?

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

advertising designed to entice new customers

When could inveigle be used to replace seduce?

While the synonyms inveigle and seduce are close in meaning, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When is it sensible to use lure instead of seduce?

The words lure and seduce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

Where would tempt be a reasonable alternative to seduce?

In some situations, the words tempt and seduce 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 seduce The craft, once passed down through generations, is now facing the reality that fewer young people—seduced by high-flying, big-city office jobs—are interested in toiling in its timeworn factories. —

Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026 Sammy, a troubled 13-year-old, secretly enlists against his mother’s wishes — seduced by promises of purpose, patriotism, and notoriety. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2026 The show is also virtually devoid of romantic escapades, a good thing since Dumas’ novel is filled with a lot of sentimental claptrap about fighting for defenseless women’s honor or seducing virtuous maidens or going to war due to the physical beauty of a monarch. —

Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026 They were shocked and horrified—and yet entirely seduced. —

Danielle Parker, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seduce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seduce

Verb

After Tatis fouled off the next pitch, Flaherty did what a lot of pitchers will do to Tatis and tempted him with a slider that broke low and outside the zone.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Today, when architecture often seems tempted to retreat in the face of cascading crises, Gehry’s career suggests a different response.

— Julian Rose, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026

Definition of tempt

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seditious

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seduced

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“Seduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seduce. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of seduce

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