Synonyms of decoy

decoy 1 of 2

noun

ˈdē-ˌkȯi 

as in bait

something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap

we set the decoy afloat in the marsh and from the blind waited for the ducks to arrive

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bait
• lure
• trap
• scent
• hook
• ambush
• troll
• snare
• net
• incentive
• attraction
• spinner
• appeal
• plug
• seduction
• pull
• draw
• stool pigeon
• entrapment
• enticement
• entanglement
• temptation
• call
• seducement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• repellent
• repellant

decoy

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈkȯi 

as in to lure

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage

tacky souvenir shops to which first-time tourists had been decoyed into spending their hard-earned money

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lure
• tempt
• seduce
• entice
• persuade
• bait
• betray
• trap
• lead on
• allure
• solicit
• beguile
• rope (in)
• entrap
• snow
• snare
• mesh
• ensnare
• draw in
• inveigle
• enchant
• fascinate
• charm
• catch
• enmesh
• tangle
• magnetize
• wile
• captivate
• immesh
• bewitch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warn
• alert
• ward (off)
• caution
• drive (away or off)
• turn away
• forewarn
• repulse

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb decoy differ from other similar words?

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

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

Where would entice be a reasonable alternative to decoy?

The meanings of entice and decoy largely overlap; however, entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When might inveigle be a better fit than decoy?

The words inveigle and decoy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When would lure be a good substitute for decoy?

In some situations, the words lure and decoy are roughly equivalent. However, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

When could seduce be used to replace decoy?

The words seduce and decoy can be used in similar contexts, but seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

When is tempt a more appropriate choice than decoy?

The synonyms tempt and decoy are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Recent Examples of decoy

Noun

If Haaland isn’t making those explosive runs in behind when the opportunity presents, nor looking to create space for others with decoy movement, then his role at the top of this team — even with a goal to his name — can sometimes do more harm than good, especially in difficult games. —Thom Harris, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025

More sophisticated and convincing decoys have also been deployed. —Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

Verb

Just before Trump spoke with reporters, Russia launched 67 missiles and 194 actual and decoy drones targeting Ukraine—the primary goal: Ukraine’s natural gas infrastructure. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

Russia fired 67 missiles from air, land and sea, and launched 194 strike and decoy drones, Ukraine's air force said. —arkansasonline.com, 8 Mar. 2025