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
The agency prohibited uncertified officers and other staff from acting as decoys during K-9 training following the April 2022 attack, the newspaper reported. Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025 Some wasps, such as yellowjackets, don’t even build nests that resemble the decoys. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
Monday night and Tuesday night saw a cumulative 667 attack and decoy drones of various types, plus one missile, launched into Ukraine by Russia, according to figures published by the Ukrainian air force and analyzed by ABC News. David Brennan, ABC News, 16 July 2025 Earlier this week, Russia fired more than 700 attack and decoy drones at Ukraine, topping previous nightly barrages for the third time in two weeks. Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for decoy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decoy
Noun
  • To discourage their existence, many people use the also ubiquitous black-box bait stations.
    Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Lurie is handling the volatile situation with quiet aplomb, not an easy riser to the bait that is the president’s constant provocations of American mayors.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • South Korea last week issued a travel ban for parts of Cambodia after the death of a South Korean student lured to work in the scam compounds, according to police.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
  • He is accused of luring a young girl into his van parked in the church’s parking lot or to the church’s basement to abuse the girl over and over during a seven-year period, according to the release.
    Ryanne Mena, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For under $10, you may even be tempted to grab more than one, and who can blame you?
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Midday Time Of all the times when you might be tempted to cut some fresh flowers for your table, midday is one to avoid.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When they are named, the aim is to seduce with a touch of whimsy and decadence.
    Joel Hart, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, a manipulative judge, Roland Brack (Nicholas Pinnock), lurks around the fringes, hoping to seduce or even blackmail the electrically attractive Hedda.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Africa’s leading banking groups are targeting DR Congo, enticed by one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies and the promise of a lucrative mining sector, despite the ongoing conflict in the country’s east.
    Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • And if Washington signed a trade deal with Pretoria, American officials might entice South Africa to work with the United States on its diplomatic efforts across the African continent.
    Richard Fontaine, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lawmakers in the two states still may be persuaded, and the White House push, which has included an Oval Office meeting for Indiana lawmakers and two trips to Indianapolis by Vice President JD Vance, is expected to continue.
    Isabella Volmert, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • According to this speculation, WWE might be attempting to use the leverage of a potential one-year non-compete clause as a way to persuade Andrade to return to the company.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decoy. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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