TEMPT Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

tempt

verb

ˈtem(p)t

Definition of tempt next

as in to lure

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage that chocolate dessert sure tempts me, but I should stick with my diet

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as in to risk

to take a chance on refusing to lay in enough food for the long winter tempts the dangers of starvation

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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 This isn’t waving the white flag, but rather realizing that Time shouldn’t be tempted. —

Candace Buckner, New York Times, 14 May 2026 If you’re financially pressed, confused about money, or just want a little free help figuring out how to improve your cash flow, you may be tempted to use AI. —

Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 13 May 2026 Could you be tempted into directing yourself one day? —

Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026 Your pantry shelf might just provide the perfect atmosphere for your groceries, so don't always be tempted to open the refrigerator door. —

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tempt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempt

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

Definition of lure

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temps

tempt

temptable

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“Tempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempt. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of tempt

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