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

Examples 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 Instead, the hope is that the film will legitimize Jolt and entice more filmmakers to work with the company. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024 In previous years, even large tech players like YouTube would entice ad buyers during the NewFronts, a separate event for digital outlets created during the early days of online video. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2024 Such a move may entice existing investors to sell the stocks, if the tax policy change likely impacts them. Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024 This clause contains an anti-tampering provision which forbids any attempt to entice, induce or persuade a person who is under contract with another team to join the tampering team. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for entice 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • All of this excitement may tempt you to place some bets on what will happen — but is that actually a good idea?
    Becca Stanek, theweek, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Ammon did appear tempted to talk the walk in Portland, to become the Mormon cowboy philosopher king wandering a degenerate realm of an ailing Republic, but by now time was in extremely short supply.
    Matt Thompson, SPIN, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Over the past two years, there have been episodic reports of Cuban, Indian, and Nepalese soldiers and volunteers lured to fight for Russia.
    Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
  • While Wanda made tea for herself, an astral projection of her Scarlet Witch alter ego was seen in another room of the cabin, studying the Darkhold spellbook… until the distant sound of her son calling for help lured her away.
    Rebecca Iannucci, TVLine, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Cruel Intentions follows the elite students of Manchester College, where two ruthless step-siblings will do anything to stay on top of the cutthroat social hierarchy, including seducing the daughter of the vice-president of the United States.
    Anne Victoria Clark, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Police later learned that the prisoners had seduced the seamstress as a part of their escape plot.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • In this capacity, the Chinese leadership can—and must—lead a collective effort to persuade Russia to secure its vulnerable warheads, drawing on its own expanding bilateral relationship with Moscow.
    William M. Moon, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This could persuade voters who support fair districts to vote against the amendment; there have already been anecdotal reports of voters intending to vote for Issue 1 but getting confused by the ballot language in the voting booth and voting against it instead.
    Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near entice

Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on entice

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