BEGUILE Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'beguile' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of beguile are deceive , delude , and mislead . While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving. // was beguiled by false promises

Q: When is 'deceive' a more appropriate choice than 'beguile'?

While the synonyms deceive and beguile are close in meaning, deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness. // tried to deceive me about the cost

Q: When would 'delude' be a good substitute for 'beguile'?

The meanings of delude and beguile largely overlap; however, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth. // we were deluded into thinking we were safe

Q: In what contexts can 'mislead' take the place of 'beguile'?

The words mislead and beguile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional. // I was misled by the confusing sign

beguile

verb

bi-ˈgī(-ə)l

Definition of beguile

as in to fascinate

to attract or delight as if by magic the magician effortlessly beguiled and amazed the children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to deceive

to cause to believe what is untrue beguiled her into believing that yet another worthless item would enhance her life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage was beguiled by the promise of easy money as a drug dealer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb beguile differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of beguile are deceive, delude, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is deceive a more appropriate choice than beguile?

While the synonyms deceive and beguile are close in meaning, deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

When would delude be a good substitute for beguile?

The meanings of delude and beguile largely overlap; however, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

In what contexts can mislead take the place of beguile?

The words mislead and beguile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

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 beguile Not just earworms but moodworms; beguiling outsider art by a professional. — Matt Thompson, SPIN, 13 July 2026 Wooley sensitively explores the nuances of Miles’ profound music, with Susan Alcorn’s beguiling clouds of pedal steel guitar, Ava Mendoza’s potent electric guitar, and Ryan Sawyer’s responsive drumming. — Bret Saunders, Denver Post, 6 June 2026 The neighborhood/area Savvy visitors often prefer to stay along beguiling Atlantic Seaboard neighborhoods like Bantry Bay and Clifton for their stunning water views and endless sunsets, or in the lively Gardens or Seapoint areas with their hip cafés and boutiques. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026 The first was that Leah, with her beguiling Valley monotone and passion for a man who cuddled with insects, was becoming the star of season 6. — Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for beguile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beguile

Verb

At this time last year, many were fascinated by undrafted rookie free agent Brady Cook.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
But the darker side of humanity has always fascinated me, as do mystical practices.

— Ashley Woo, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascinate

Verb

The rapidly evolving technology has become a source of controversy after a series of hacks in recent months that showed AI agents can conspire to deceive humans.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
The public deserves to know which of his points were defensible and which were deceiving.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of deceive

Verb

Closer by in Amenia, pop into Tent to be tempted by ceramics and rugs, and get midday pastries at Peggy’s, a sweet little bakery in the center of town.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
You’ll be tempted to put it on before work presentations, fancy dinners, and even long-haul flights — given the fact that the object levels up casual and formal ‘fits in equal measure.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of tempt

Verb

While Bryan the Medical Courier may not be a marquee attraction, Abrams plays his bumbling so hilariously yet relatably that some kids may be enticed.

— Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
Once inside the warehouse, shoppers tend to linger, enticed by a potent cocktail of comforting routine, retail adrenaline and cheap eats.

— Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

The second season of The Paper is a sitcom trying to fool itself.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
In July, OpenAI said its models were responsible for a cyber incident on another company, while Anthropic’s Claude models were also responsible for cybersecurity incidents, including in one case where Mythos created fake identities to fool humans.

— Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of fool

Verb

Adva Lavie, an OnlyFans model, already is facing criminal charges in Los Angeles County for allegedly seducing and stealing from rich men.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Many have taken up such invitations, seduced by the island’s stress-free, go-slow rhythm.

— Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of seduce

Verb

Joy has done nothing but delight us, so a villain Gen shall become.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
Here, misfits are welcome, and bric-a-brac is part of the appeal; the wonderfully bizarre name and devil-may-care attitude have been confusing (and delighting) first-timers for more than 70 years.

— Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026

Definition of delight

Verb

The North Koreans will then trick victims to install the malware under the guise of completing a computer coding test or troubleshooting an error in an online video call.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
Light pollution from various sources in our bedroom can trick the brain into producing less melatonin, which can negatively impact sleep quality.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of trick

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begs off

beguile

beguiled

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“Beguile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beguile. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of beguile

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