TEMPT Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

tempt

verb

ˈtem(p)t

Definition of tempt

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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 Bringing Home Questions Before Solutions International exchange can tempt us to find an impressive program and bring it home unchanged. — Lauren Footman, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Many clients are tempted to move to a low-tax locale like Florida or Texas before a big exit. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 On Main Street, Artful Ellijay promises casual yet refined home furnishings, while Mountain Treasures tempts shoppers with everything from ladies’ apparel to jewelry and accessories. — Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2026 For most, fear of shame is a necessary backstop to push people away from what wrongly tempts them. — Robert A. Ballingall, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tempt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempt

Verb

For film, the roadmap covers support for luring large-scale location shoots, backing for international co-productions built on Japanese IP and tougher anti-piracy measures.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
Bolsonaro made a tough-on-crime approach the cornerstone of his campaign and pledged to bring down food costs while Lula, trying to lure undecided voters, has invested in costly incentives.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of lure

Verb

Lawmakers who oppose him risk public ridicule, primary challenges and diminished political support.

— Stephanie A, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
When a manageable investment can bring a decent return, producers can risk something unfamiliar, and audiences can afford to try it.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of risk

Verb

The last crime, a blackmail scheme that involved hiring a prostitute to seduce his sister’s husband, suggests a dubious approach to conflict management.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of seduce

Verb

The many interactive exhibits that dot the new building’s 200,000 square feet of gallery space are geared to entice and educate people of all ages.

— Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Justin Perez, 28, of Springfield, Massachusetts took a plea deal on Monday in Rockville Superior Court, pleading guilty to charges of risk of injury to a minor and enticing a minor, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
The challenge was not simply to persuade undecided voters, but to get those who already preferred him to show up at the polls.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of persuade

Browse Nearby Words

temps

tempt

temptable

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“Tempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempt. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of tempt

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