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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb beguile differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of beguile are deceive, delude, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is deceive a more appropriate choice than beguile?

While the synonyms deceive and beguile are close in meaning, deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

When would delude be a good substitute for beguile?

The meanings of delude and beguile largely overlap; however, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

In what contexts can mislead take the place of beguile?

The words mislead and beguile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

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 beguile The expression within some of those moments — the beguiling run through Shakhtar Donetsk, the assist for Jamal Musiala at Werder Bremen, the gorgeous free kick against Bochum down in the Ruhr — describe a player comfortable with the burden of being a Bayern player in the way few are. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 This schism becomes her barrier to happiness, discounting and dismissing the clearly beguiling Sam, a handsome charmer with a twinkle in his eye. Jason Bailey, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025 Contemporary takes abound, but vintage sleuthing can turn up some particularly beguiling options. Tom Stubbs, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2024 Not to be missed, however, is The Green House, a beguiling antique solarium, a perfect garden café for a cup of espresso, hot tea, or freshly baked pastry. Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beguile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beguile
Verb
  • TikTok users were fascinated by the video, awarding it more than 561,000 likes and a whopping 7.3 million views, as thousands of commenters asked questions about the process.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Seth had seen other successful you-pick farms in the area and was fascinated by the idea of re-creating the Netherlands' iconic flower fields in Alabama.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Holding a lot of cash in the bank may feel like the absolute most comfortable option, but don’t be deceived.
    Eric Roberge, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Any clinic that is promising instant, full growth in a few weeks is deceiving you.
    Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • After this went down, one might be tempted to joke that Rodgers was in store for a green room retreat!
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The first half hour is filled with the weirdly neutral techno jargon of soldiers jabbering code words into their headphones to what I (as a know-nothing) am tempted to call Mission Control.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Numerous observers believe the Bay Area could begin to see an economic lift from the rush into artificial intelligence, a fledgling field that has enticed investors and fueled startup activity.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025
  • And there are plenty of people out there to entice, given that the majority of Americans these days aren’t regular moviegoers.
    William Earl, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Don't let anyone fool you into abandoning the single most effective social program in our nation's history.
    John T. Harvey, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Likely draft position: Early-mid rounds Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State: Don’t be fooled by Miller spending five years at the FCS level.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Instinct says to seduce with a decadent chocolate treat, but sadly, my Valentine for the past 20 years isn’t the biggest chocolate lover.
    Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Raúl Castillo plays against type and makes for a menacing, unstoppable presence in a genre homage that’s yell-at-the-scream enjoyable and seduces with its terrific cinematography from Daniel Katz.
    Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • From enchanting floral arches to elegant bouquets and charming table runners, this wedding décor can infuse your special day with the essence of spring.
    Christopher Murray, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Her body is discovered on the shoreline and she is buried by fishermen after they are enchanted by her beauty.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Increasingly, criminals are able to use commonly available tools to launch sophisticated phishing scams, going as far as digitally replicating faces and voices in order to trick security systems.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Phishing is a cyber-attack that aims to trick people into divulging personal information.
    Solcyré Burga, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Beguile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beguile. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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