Synonyms of seduce

seduce

verb

si-ˈdüs 

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage

I wasn't going to buy the car, but was seduced by the low-interest payment plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tempt
• lure
• persuade
• entice
• betray
• beguile
• allure
• bait
• decoy
• solicit
• lead on
• fascinate
• inveigle
• trap
• enchant
• ensnare
• entrap
• draw in
• rope (in)
• captivate
• bewitch
• charm
• enmesh
• snow
• snare
• magnetize
• catch
• mesh
• wile
• tangle
• immesh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warn
• alert
• ward (off)
• caution
• drive (away or off)
• forewarn
• turn away
• repulse

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb seduce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of seduce are decoy, entice, inveigle, lure, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

In what contexts can decoy take the place of seduce?

While in some cases nearly identical to seduce, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When would entice be a good substitute for seduce?

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

advertising designed to entice new customers

When could inveigle be used to replace seduce?

While the synonyms inveigle and seduce are close in meaning, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When is it sensible to use lure instead of seduce?

The words lure and seduce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

Where would tempt be a reasonable alternative to seduce?

In some situations, the words tempt and seduce 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

Recent Examples of seduce

And Becky seduced her new boyfriend with expensive gifts, too. —Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025

We can all be seduced by the prospect of eternal life and beauty. —Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025

Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker is seduced by the Dark Side of the Force to become the Emperor’s new apprentice: Darth Vader. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025

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