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Synonym Chooser

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 The filmmaker behind our Best Film takes a formally bold and inquisitive approach to his very personal subject, working with his collaborators to combine elements of fiction and documentary into a film of beguiling melancholy and delicate beauty. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 23 Aug. 2025 Althoff’s sarcastic deadpan humor, beguiling personality and awkward line of questioning led her to interviews with Drake, Tyga, Lil Yachty, Rubi Rose, Nick Cannon and Mark Cuban. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025 Ferry isn’t the only academic researcher beguiled by these snapshots of another era. Suyin Haynes, CNN Money, 22 July 2025 Episodes ended by dangling game rules and character deaths, beguiling us to keep watching. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for beguile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beguile
Verb
  • Throughout that time, Frédéric Boucheron was fascinated by the natural world — a passion Poulit‑Duquesne and Choisne continue today, visible in collections featuring feather motifs, fluid forms and other designs.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • It’s set in the early 80s, which is a period that fascinates me.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Gordon warned me that this was deceiving.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Santos was sentenced to prison in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people — including his own family members — to make donations to his campaign.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With fall flavors like cinnamon and pumpkin, the right cookie will tempt even the biggest pie fans.
    Macie Stump, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
  • That way, you aren’t tempted to doze on the couch or adult bed with the baby in your arms.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Africa’s leading banking groups are targeting DR Congo, enticed by one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies and the promise of a lucrative mining sector, despite the ongoing conflict in the country’s east.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • There were questions swirling over whether Nintendo’s Switch 2 would be different enough from its predecessor to entice users.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The throw is crafted with acrylic, but don’t be fooled by its price; the intricate, woven yarn resembles that of chenille, with a buttery-smooth texture that feels luxuriously soft to the touch.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Anyone who predicted this Titans team to win more than four or five games was fooling themselves, and even those predictions are coming off over-optimistic.
    Nick Suss, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Guided by director David Lynch, Ladd had a field day with Marietta, who tries to seduce her daughter’s boyfriend (Nicolas Cage).
    Chris Koseluk, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Farrell plays John, the ambitious and chatty servant who is seduced by the mistress of the house (Jessica Chastain), as a nervous bundle of energy who becomes more agonized and frantic over the course of the film.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Nancy Bernstorff and Terri Lopez, both from Ramona, said they were delighted by Truett’s artwork.
    Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The buttery shortbread dough, coated twice in powdered sugar, creates a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s sure to delight.
    Macie Stump, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Saturday Night Live‘s Weekend Update mocked Donald Trump‘s multiple White House renovations, as well his inability to be normal even while giving out candy to trick or treaters.
    William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The update to trick-or-treating time was made to avoid a conflict with high school football playoff games.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Beguile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beguile. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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