ENTICE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

entice

verb

in-ˈtīs

Definition of entice next

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage every commercial seemed to be for some tempting snack specifically designed to entice me from my diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 The Chesapeake, Virginia, native grew up a big Clowney fan, and with his hometown not too far away, perhaps he’d be enticed to join a Panthers team that badly needs pass rusher help. —

Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2025 Consequently, most early visitors to the area were not enticed to remain. —

Bob Robinson, arkansasonline.com, 19 Jan. 2025 There is no limit to the amount of compensation that can be offered to volunteers, and gate agents will often raise amounts to entice passengers, who can then negotiate for more. —

Christine Chung, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 Beyond enticing views through large windows, inTech lures them outside with an available slide-out kitchen with propane griddle and 33-L fridge/freezer, and an optional 18-ft power awning with wind-sensing auto-retract. —

New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for entice

Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice

Verb

The tax season hadn't even officially started in late December, but the TV ads already began tempting taxpayers with a free pitch to use the TurboTax app.

— Susan Tompor, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
Self has always done best turning four-stars into five-stars through development, but it’s been tempting the last two years to try to plug-and-play through the portal.

— CJ Moore, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025