LEAD ON Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

lead on

verb

Definition of lead on

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage a con man whose dupes are usually led on by their own greed and eagerness to turn an easy buck

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead on

Verb

There are two clues that suggest Burnham may be tempted to pull the trigger.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
With substantial American forces already positioned in the region, Washington may be tempted to break the deadlock through another round of attacks.

— Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of tempt

Verb

Will Stewart be seduced into the path of corruption by using Sinestro’s emotionally tainted battery, or steel himself against ill influences and continue to blaze his own trail as Earth's sole protector for the time being?

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Armani’s languid silhouette soon seduced red- and blue-blooded men the world over.

— Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of seduce

Verb

Janabi said one of the biggest challenges has been persuading those who are infected to seek medical assistance, adding that some deaths occur in the community outside of health centers.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Mamut and Grönberg were persuaded by Paul Best, a new arrival at Elliott, who believed that the eclipse of brick-and-mortar retail by online commerce had been overstated, and that certain chains could flourish if well capitalized.

— Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Emirates, which has nearly returned to its prewar capacity, is trying to entice more connecting travelers on long-haul flights to make a stop in Dubai.

— Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The 17-year-old said there is a lot of peer pressure to vape, and the product flavors and designs are enticing for teens.

— Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of entice

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“Lead on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead%20on. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lead on

verb

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