BEGUILE Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'beguile' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of beguile are deceive , delude , and mislead . While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving. // was beguiled by false promises

Q: When is 'deceive' a more appropriate choice than 'beguile'?

While the synonyms deceive and beguile are close in meaning, deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness. // tried to deceive me about the cost

Q: When would 'delude' be a good substitute for 'beguile'?

The meanings of delude and beguile largely overlap; however, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth. // we were deluded into thinking we were safe

Q: In what contexts can 'mislead' take the place of 'beguile'?

The words mislead and beguile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional. // I was misled by the confusing sign

beguile

verb

bi-ˈgī(-ə)l

Definition of beguile

as in to fascinate

to attract or delight as if by magic the magician effortlessly beguiled and amazed the children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to deceive

to cause to believe what is untrue beguiled her into believing that yet another worthless item would enhance her life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage was beguiled by the promise of easy money as a drug dealer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb beguile differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of beguile are deceive, delude, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is deceive a more appropriate choice than beguile?

While the synonyms deceive and beguile are close in meaning, deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

When would delude be a good substitute for beguile?

The meanings of delude and beguile largely overlap; however, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

In what contexts can mislead take the place of beguile?

The words mislead and beguile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

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 beguile Not just earworms but moodworms; beguiling outsider art by a professional. — Matt Thompson, SPIN, 13 July 2026 Wooley sensitively explores the nuances of Miles’ profound music, with Susan Alcorn’s beguiling clouds of pedal steel guitar, Ava Mendoza’s potent electric guitar, and Ryan Sawyer’s responsive drumming. — Bret Saunders, Denver Post, 6 June 2026 The neighborhood/area Savvy visitors often prefer to stay along beguiling Atlantic Seaboard neighborhoods like Bantry Bay and Clifton for their stunning water views and endless sunsets, or in the lively Gardens or Seapoint areas with their hip cafés and boutiques. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026 The first was that Leah, with her beguiling Valley monotone and passion for a man who cuddled with insects, was becoming the star of season 6. — Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for beguile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beguile

Verb

But the darker side of humanity has always fascinated me, as do mystical practices.

— Ashley Woo, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
As Oppenheim put it at the film’s Venice press conference, he’d long been fascinated by Hansen, and only became more so after his wife gifted him a Cameo from the host for his birthday.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascinate

Verb

Williams will not be charged because Heggebo’s offence was successfully deceiving a match official.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Your eyes aren't deceiving you — the little delivery robots rolling down Washington DC streets are becoming a more common sight.

— Mike Stunson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of deceive

Verb

The country is one of Europe’s quickest growing AI markets, and major AI and big tech corporations such as Microsoft and TikTok have already pledged billions in investments into Finland, enticed by its growing role in Europe’s AI economy.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
Rashford enticed the Ukrainian, then drove past him on the outside, further beating Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the area, forcing James Tarkowski to slide in to concede a corner.

— Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

The second season of The Paper is a sitcom trying to fool itself.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
In July, OpenAI said its models were responsible for a cyber incident on another company, while Anthropic’s Claude models were also responsible for cybersecurity incidents, including in one case where Mythos created fake identities to fool humans.

— Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of fool

Verb

Ricki is charismatic but not otherwordly; if anything, the fact that James is able to seduce or threaten without appearing to do much at all is what makes Ricki extra formidable.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
Or if leadership got seduced by silhouette, movement and atmosphere, neglecting to marry the galleries to the overall concept.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of seduce

Verb

That opening-day land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom delighted families for 28 years, but officially closed in February 2026 to make way for an entirely new Tropical Americas land.

— Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Contrary to its name, this vista is sure to delight the foliage-minded among us.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of delight

Verb

An English springer spaniel in Alabama loves nothing more than spending her whole day in the pool and has taken to tricking her parents into letting her into the pool every day.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Hang a paper nest to trick hornets into thinking a colony has already claimed the space.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of trick

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begs off

beguile

beguiled

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“Beguile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beguile. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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