entice

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb entice differ from other similar words?

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

advertising designed to entice new customers

When is it sensible to use decoy instead of entice?

While the synonyms decoy and entice are close in meaning, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

Where would inveigle be a reasonable alternative to entice?

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

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

In what contexts can lure take the place of entice?

Although the words lure and entice 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 could seduce be used to replace entice?

The meanings of seduce and entice largely overlap; however, seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

When would tempt be a good substitute for entice?

In some situations, the words tempt and entice are roughly equivalent. However, 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

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 entice While his limited length most likely keeps his best position at center at the next level, being behind Cooper Beebe to allow Brock Hoffman to flourish at guard could entice the Cowboys to select one of the higher football IQ players in the draft class. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Mar. 2025 Yet you’ll somehow be enticed to leave your immediate surroundings, as attractions like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are only a few minutes away. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025 Published on March 19, 2025 By Sean Evans Mercedes-Benz AG Photo : Mercedes-Benz AG Mercedes-Benz is banking that the combination of overall range, energy consumption rate, rapid charging time, and custom software will entice the EV-averse buyer. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025 The goal for Boca Raton officials is to entice not just various wealthy industries but to bring in new residents and tourists, too. Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
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
  • In years past, I’ve been lured in by the promise of free filing from commercial tax-prep software, only to find out that my situation doesn’t qualify.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Jamie Carragher spoke about how he was lured out of international retirement specifically to work with Capello, having grown up admiring the defensive quality of his old Milan side.
    Michael Cox, The Athletic, 20 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
  • The two-day violence was a major setback in Damascus’ efforts to improve its image and persuade Europe and the United States to lift economic sanctions after over a decade of conflict.
    Omar Albam and Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2025
  • In the administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, Democrats pursued a mix of subsidies and mandates in an attempt to persuade and cajole car manufacturers and consumers to move from gas to electric vehicles.
    The Editors, National Review, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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