decoy 1 of 2

as in bait
something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap we set the decoy afloat in the marsh and from the blind waited for the ducks to arrive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

decoy

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb decoy differ from other similar words?

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

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

Where would entice be a reasonable alternative to decoy?

The meanings of entice and decoy largely overlap; however, entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When might inveigle be a better fit than decoy?

The words inveigle and decoy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When would lure be a good substitute for decoy?

In some situations, the words lure and decoy are roughly equivalent. However, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

When could seduce be used to replace decoy?

The words seduce and decoy can be used in similar contexts, but seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

When is tempt a more appropriate choice than decoy?

The synonyms tempt and decoy are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 decoy
Noun
Day 1,234 Russian Attacks on Ukraine and War Developments Russia hammered Ukraine with 1,125 drones and decoys and 31 missiles over two consecutive nights of strikes. Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 Derringer and Clarke have to sift through a few decoys — including the president's own chief of staff, Simone Bradshaw (Sarah Niles) — before realizing Gradov's insider was the vice president, Elizabeth Kirk (Carla Gugino). Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces launched 71 Shahed and decoy drones on June 25, 2025. Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 Meanwhile, Russian forces launched 363 Shahed and decoy drones as well as eight missiles at Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian air force said Friday, claiming that air defenses stopped all but four of the drones and downed six cruise missiles. Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for decoy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decoy
Noun
  • After trading two of MLB Pipeline's top-100 prospects to land Durán, the Phillies don't have too many other prospects to use as trade bait, unless their front office wants to take a chance on a controllable outfielder.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
  • Both cages were made of plastic pipe and covered with fine mesh and kelp blades were tied to all of the cages as bait.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • San Montano Resort & Spa, one of southern Italy’s most exquisite escapes, just unveiled a dazzling redesign that’s sure to lure discerning travelers to the storied island.
    Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The timing of the legislation was crucial, supporters argued, as Kansas seeks to lure the teams through a supercharged bonds program that could pay for up to 70% of new stadiums.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • If these savings alone weren't enough to tempt you, then the fact that these drones are now at their lowest-ever prices might.
    Alexander Cox, Space.com, 28 July 2025
  • You might be tempted to jump on your soapbox and convince someone to agree with you.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • After the show's season 27 premiere included a scene in which Trump, who was depicted twice with small genitals, attempted to seduce Satan in his bedroom at the White House, members of the president's team released a statement to EW criticizing South Park.
    EW.com, EW.com, 30 July 2025
  • Entrepreneurs and investors have been seduced into believing that scaling fast is the right strategy for all startups.
    Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • For six months, President Trump tried to entice Putin to the table.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2025
  • Culinary delight often begins with a visual feast that entices people to indulge in delicious flavors.
    Molly Peck, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Eventually, the victim is persuaded to contact an IT security representative, who, in fact, is part of the ransomware operation.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 26 July 2025
  • During an interview with The Standard, Ozzy admitted that even though he was intoxicated during the violent incident, that didn't persuade him to stop drinking.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decoy. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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