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

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 tempt Those outside Scotland may be tempted to observe the toxicity of it all and deem Martin a victim of the permanent bubble of hyperbole in which the Old Firm exist. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 As the growing season comes to an end, you may be tempted to just harvest the last of your veggies and then let nature take its course. Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025 You may be tempted to peel away fruit and vegetable skins, but those outer layers are packed with nutrients, fiber, and flavor. Lauren Manaker Ms, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025 Were you tempted to include them? Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempt
Verb
  • Amid the hangover of the 0-4 start, students shuffled out their dorms, lured by free food and faint promise of school spirit at the Rose Bowl.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Built at a cost of $29 billion, the railway is meant to help lure visitors away from coastal hot spots like Cancún and to create jobs and development opportunities in a region that has long been one of the poorest in Mexico.
    Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Just as Erik ten Hag told David de Gea to kick the ball long for the visit of Liverpool in August 2022 after losing his opening two games in charge, Amorim instructed Senne Lammens, on his debut, to not risk an easy concession by passing possession short.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Mullally also becomes the ceremonial head of some 85 million Anglicans worldwide, with the appointment of a woman risking deeper theological divides with some of the more conservative branches of the church in African nations.
    Muvija M, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The novel opens as the teenage Karl Rossmann, whose parents shipped him off to America for fathering a child when he was seduced by the family’s thirty-five-year-old cook, arrives on a steamer in New York harbor and sees the Statue of Liberty holding not the emblematic torch but rather a sword.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Her distinctive style stance has seduced the likes of Addison Rae, Ice Spice, Kylie Jenner, Hari Nef, Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber, Chloë Sevigny and Sarah Jessica Parker.
    Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In early September, Jakarta police alleged that some TikTok users purposefully broadcast live during the violence to entice viewers into giving them gifts or virtual prizes that can be exchanged for cash.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
  • There's something wicked about building horror movies around toys, dolls, and other kid-friendly touchstones; they're bound to entice (and potentially scar) curious young audiences more than usual.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Nevertheless, when issues on mass transit occurred, the city could persuade PTC to improve conditions, but the city was only required to offer emergency services to commuters.
    Menika Dirkson, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The message sought to persuade the public to take measures to eliminate the spread of COVID-19.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Our faces betray the disappointment of discovering the empty trap.
    Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
  • But music criticism aside, some fans feel betrayed by the album — and not just by the lyrics.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempt. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tempt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!