1
as in lure
something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap
cheese is the traditional bait for trapping mice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in temptation
something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain
the promise of free vacation is surefire bait to get people to agree to be chaperones for school trips
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to taunt
to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults
I wished the candidates would stop baiting each other and instead address the real issues
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to lure
to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage
the investment scheme cunningly baits the greedy and the unscrupulous
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bait
Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
When used superfluously, the phrase starts to feel like RSVP bait, or at least overproducing a vibe.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 29 Dec. 2025
Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
The 6-foot, 195-pound versatile playmaker is instinctive, capable of quickly diagnosing layered route concepts, and will bait quarterbacks into making a mistake.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bait
Noun
However, after using over three tons of fish bait, which most sharks would be able to smell from miles away, there were no signs of the underwater creatures.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
When used superfluously, the phrase starts to feel like RSVP bait, or at least overproducing a vibe.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 29 Dec. 2025
Verb
Decades ago, my father taught me how to drive, bait a hook and to always open the car door for my date.
—Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
The 6-foot, 195-pound versatile playmaker is instinctive, capable of quickly diagnosing layered route concepts, and will bait quarterbacks into making a mistake.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bait
Noun
-
This past year also was elevated by the success that the league’s TV partners had in harnessing the lure of live game coverage to drive larger corporate imperatives — namely, building up the streaming platforms that represent the future for the parent companies of NBC, CBS, ESPN/ABC and Fox.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
28 Jan. 2026
-
However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, these lines have blurred as relocating families and remote workers seek the social life and cultural lure of cities.—
Zoë Dare Hall,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
At the same time, the temptation to overinvest in silver and gold now, with the price at record highs, should also be avoided.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
As the country moves toward the 2026 midterms, the temptation will be to treat our current racial, political, and economic crisis as a sharp break from the past; to search for singular villains; and to imagine that a return to normalcy is just one election away.—
Heather Ann Thompson,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Seattle Seahawks defensive back Tariq Woolen was fined $17,398 Saturday for a taunting penalty during the NFC championship game against the Los Angeles Rams.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Rich kids on scooters swerved aggressively around the gillagers, taunting them.—
Sean Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Overbuy with the price still affordable At just under $80 an ounce currently, but with the potential for significant growth high right now, investors may be tempted to overbuy silver while the price is still affordable.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
This is where brands can tempt consumers with limited runs.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Some people even shared old photos of Indigenous peoples wearing the hoods, noting that the originators of the design kept the fur outward to break cold wind and trap snow.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
At one point, a trap even caught the wrong bear.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In August 2025, the company announced plans to enter the automotive sector and teased two concept cars that drew heavy comparisons to the Bugatti Chiron and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Also at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Cyrus teased a potential return to the beloved, wig-wearing character.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Since the dawn of time, the romance of railways has seduced poets, spellbound novelists, and dealt directors the perfect hand for capturing fleeting friendships, illicit affairs, and all manner of crimes and capers.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
-
In this version of the classic tale, Peter is Wendy's father, and James, the book’s Captain Hook, plans to seduce her to get back at his nemesis.—
Theara Coleman,
TheWeek,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
After a successful two weeks at the box office, Paul Feig’s The Housemaid is letting Millie off the hook and onto her next victim.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
7 Jan. 2026
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These hooks offer much more than just functionality, according to designer Heidi Houdek.—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bait. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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