lure 1 of 2

lure

2 of 2

noun

1
as in temptation
something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain the promise of easy money is always the lure for some people to play the lottery good schools are a lure for prospective home buyers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in bait
something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap the fish simply didn't seem to like the lure I was using, so I didn't catch a thing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in seduction
the act or pressure of giving in to a desire especially when ill-advised the lure of the video game was distracting me from my studies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb lure differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lure are decoy, entice, inveigle, seduce, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

When might decoy be a better fit than lure?

In some situations, the words decoy and lure are roughly equivalent. However, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When is entice a more appropriate choice than lure?

The synonyms entice and lure are sometimes interchangeable, but entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When is it sensible to use inveigle instead of lure?

While in some cases nearly identical to lure, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

Where would seduce be a reasonable alternative to lure?

Although the words seduce and lure have much in common, seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

When would tempt be a good substitute for lure?

The words tempt and lure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 lure
Verb
But Missouri lawmakers must now vote to keep the agreement alive – even as Kansas mounts an aggressive effort to lure the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals across the border. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2025 In other California water news: Central Valley farmers voted for Trump, lured by the tenuous promise of more water. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
What next for Arteta and co? Interestingly, Howe insists there is a chance of Dubravka still being a Newcastle player next season, despite the lure of a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 Decades after the film’s release, the lure of this major award — and A Christmas Story itself — remains irresistible. Annie Zaleski, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for lure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lure
Verb
  • In my interpretation, I am tempted to see a lesson in holding on to things more tightly, in keeping better track, in cherishing harder.
    Melissa Kirsch, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Light wood beams and moldings, thick rugs underfoot, and minimalist furnishings tempt even the most dedicated skiers to stay indoors.
    Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Robert Kagan: Trump is facing a catastrophic defeat in Ukraine Europeans and Americans, Democrats and Republicans, can resist the temptations of boredom and distraction.
    Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2025
  • For many, the temptation is to throw up their hands in frustration, but giving in to hopelessness is not an option.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Maurice Mitchell, national director of the Working Families Party, a progressive political party , said grassroots leaders have learned not to take the bait on every outrage.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Swift didn't take the bait at first, but Kelce's playful attempt at connecting with her sparked the beginning of their romance.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Yet jewelers are hardly the only ones who have fallen prey to the snake’s powers of seduction.
    Victoria Gomelsky, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Ellen has not really succumbed to his seduction, but has sacrificed herself for a noble cause, ensuring her soul is purified and free, not bound to the damned soul of the undead Orlok.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In the costume drama based on Guy de Maupassant’s 1885 novel of the same name, Pattinson portrayed an ambitious and amoral social striver, a former soldier who seeks to improve his fortunes by seducing the wives (played by Christina Ricci, Uma Thurman and Kristin Scott Thomas) of powerful men.
    Kevin Cassidy, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
  • His evolution from a homeless teen seducing girls on his friends’ couches into an international pop star with one foot in Hollywood and the other atop the Billboard charts has been a circuitous one filled with pitfalls — and some of the catchiest tunes of the century.
    Matthew Ismael Ruiz, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Targeted retaliation is designed to give supporters of Donald Trump an incentive to try to persuade him to deescalate any trade war.
    Avery Lotz, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
  • In a region with robust transit alternatives, tolling also serves as an incentive for commuters to explore more sustainable transportation modes, reducing congestion and emissions.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Trying to keep up with breakneck advances in medical technology and the demands of a public troubled by additives like food dyes, the agency enticed scores of midcareer specialists with remote roles and the chance to make a difference in their fields.
    Christina Jewett, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The Libra moon entices you to entertain fresh options.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • There are a few things the team wants to focus on next: continuing to grow the sushi program, along with the omakase experience, and working to make the drinks and bar service more of an attraction on its own accord.
    Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2025
  • While Lanzmann is barely seen in Shoah itself, most of the footage here turns him into the main attraction — something that the director, despite all his ego-tripping, may very well have objected to.
    Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lure. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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