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

Another possibility is that the ransomware was used to cover up evidence of the intrusion or act as a decoy to draw attention away from the true nature of the espionage attacks. —Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025

Last year’s offense was too content allowing Metcalf to be a decoy and draw attention that created opportunities for others. —Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025

Verb

Russia fired 161 Shahed and decoy drones and up to 14 missiles of various types at Ukraine overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, according to military authorities. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 21 Feb. 2025

Some £68 million ($85.5 million) will go toward air defense equipment including radars, decoy land equipment, and counter-drone electronic warfare systems. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024