Synonyms of tempt

tempt

verb

ˈtem(p)t 

1

as in to lure

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

that chocolate dessert sure tempts me, but I should stick with my diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to risk

to take a chance on

refusing to lay in enough food for the long winter tempts the dangers of starvation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• risk
• confront
• venture
• chance
• hazard
• adventure
• dare
• gamble (on)
• endanger
• run the risk of
• imperil
• jeopardize
• face
• brave
• breast
• challenge
• compromise
• defy
• brazen
• expose
• subject
• menace
• outbrave
• beard
• wager
• bet (on)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb tempt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of tempt are decoy, entice, inveigle, lure, and seduce. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," 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

When would decoy be a good substitute for tempt?

The words decoy and tempt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When is it sensible to use entice instead of tempt?

While the synonyms entice and tempt are close in meaning, entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When is inveigle a more appropriate choice than tempt?

The words inveigle and tempt can be used in similar contexts, but inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When could lure be used to replace tempt?

Although the words lure and tempt have much in common, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

When can seduce be used instead of tempt?

The synonyms seduce and tempt are sometimes interchangeable, but seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tempt

You’ll be tempted to do this today. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 29 Sep. 2025

Don’t tempt me with a good time. —Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2025

Maybe you’re feeling tempted to splurge on something fun, but are somehow reminded of bills or savings goals. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

Where other projects have found success discussing the same notions bleakly, Etzler trusts his sardonic approach will tempt audiences to let their guards down and allow the subject matter to resonate, perhaps looking inward at their own complicity in the process. —Holly Jones, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025