Synonym Chooser

How does the verb tempt differ from other similar words?

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

When would decoy be a good substitute for tempt?

The words decoy and tempt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When is it sensible to use entice instead of tempt?

While the synonyms entice and tempt are close in meaning, entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When is inveigle a more appropriate choice than tempt?

The words inveigle and tempt can be used in similar contexts, but inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When could lure be used to replace tempt?

Although the words lure and tempt 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 can seduce be used instead of tempt?

The synonyms seduce and tempt are sometimes interchangeable, but seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

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 tempt In this recipe, they are combined with shredded Parmesan cheese and melted butter for a topping that’s so irresistible you’ll be tempted to eat it right out of the pan. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025 Listen to this article MESA, Ariz. — Jameson Taillon hadn’t been tempted to take a peek at Sloan Park’s radar gun. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025 Michigan State is tempting on the moneyline, especially at +155 at bet365, but the smart play is to take the Spartans on the spread. David Faris, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 My nine-to-five is shopping Walmart, so I’m constantly tempted to buy new arrivals that catch my eye. Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempt
Verb
  • Epstein, a billionaire, had legitimate business and social meetings on the island that were unrelated to his attempts to lure underage girls.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • They were formally indicted last year, accused of being part of a criminal organization that exploited women after luring them to Romania.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • While some leaders lean in, experiment, and unlock AI’s potential, others risk falling behind, paralyzed by uncertainty.
    Margie Warrell, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Today, indie filmmakers face a tough choice: either comply with demands of CBFC, thus risking their creativity for a theatrical release, or abandon the idea entirely in favor of OTT platforms.
    Viren Naidu, IndieWire, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Cruz, 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' (2009) Woody Allen's romantic comedy stars Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson as friends who travel to Spain and are seduced by a local painter (Javier Bardem).
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Cookbook authors suggested preparing French food at home to seduce a lover.
    Rachel Hope Cleves / Made by History, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But the black-and-white film about two Black couples, played by the same actors, living in Chicago during two different time periods, didn’t entice distributors.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Instead, General Catalyst is in rapid expansion mode — trying to build the sort of diversified, fee-generating asset base that would entice Wall Street analysts to use firms like Blackstone as comps.
    Dan Primack, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Mexican residents targeted In 1915, James Rawlings, secretary-manager of the Fort Worth Relief Association, persuaded U.S. immigration agents to investigate Mexican people living in Dallas Alley.
    Richard J. Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The ethos resonates with Lugano’s down-to-earth yet powerful clientele so much so that the company persuaded eight of its VIPs to star in its latest ad campaign free of charge.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Yet even these lone voices failed to call out Trump for betraying Zelensky and adopting the talking points of a brutal regime that invaded Ukraine with no provocation three years ago.
    Mordechai Gordon, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Others, not without justice, will skip the climax and denouement altogether, so obviously and suddenly does the production betray its early triumphs.
    Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempt. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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