seduce

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

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 seduce Fang Fang, the notorious Chinese spy that seduced numerous Democrat officials and fundraised for Bay Area Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell, got her start as a student at California State University, East Bay. Michelle Steel, Oc Register, 9 June 2025 The thriller tells the story of a dental hygienist who is seduced by a mysterious mermaid into the dark and wet underworld of Florida’s exotic animal trade. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 4 June 2025 Artists, celebrities, tastemakers and more tee up a tight schedule of appearances at exclusive premieres, gatherings, clubs and more, seduced by the spotlight and invitations to the hottest events. Meghan Mahar, Billboard, 23 May 2025 Some church members accused Creed of seducing Campbell, whispering insults behind her back at the grocery store. Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for seduce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seduce
Verb
  • But Phoenix ultimately wasn’t tempted by a package of Wiggins, Rozier, Jaquez, Highsmith and the 20th pick.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
  • Don’t be tempted to eat them straight off of the cookie sheet—this is the hardest part of making this recipe.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • In recent years, however, the migration of traditional TV viewers to streaming and broadband venues has undermined the economics of traditional cable outlets — even those networks devoted to sports, a format which remains able to lure large simultaneous viewership.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 June 2025
  • Then, because of a wage and salary cap used to control inflation during World War II, more employers offered health insurance to lure workers.
    Renuka Rayasam, NPR, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • As the relationship between the young couple became more serious, Sarah’s parents tried to show him the best of Kansas City in the hopes that Yaron — who grew up in Germany and Israel — might be persuaded to stay in the US.
    Wolf Blitzer, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
  • Even with that new path looming, though, his father, Ignacio, persuaded him to attend one last tryout in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo that would be scouted by all 30 MLB teams.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Each tune has its own momentum, with several of them enticing audiences and exciting them for his sophomore album American Heart, which arrives tomorrow (Friday, June 20).
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Netflix may entice its subscribers to chill, but the global streamer is working on new offerings and deals to future-proof its content lineup and business.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seduce. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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