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
These drones serve as armed escorts, decoys, and intelligence sources. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025 Ukraine's Air Force reported that 563 drones and decoys were intercepted or electronically jammed, and that 26 out of 31 missiles of various types were shot down. Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 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 Russia fired 397 Shahed and decoy drones as well as cruise and ballistic missiles at Kyiv and five other regions, authorities said. arkansasonline.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for decoy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decoy
Noun
  • Ballyhoo, a fish common in the Florida Keys and typically treated as bait, is bathed in a punchy white soy ponzu.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Among the FishPro features are a Garmin GPS and fishfinder unit, a cooler for live bait or your catch, rod-holders, a large front storage space ideal for tackle and other accessories such as a swivel seat, and a waterproof, shockproof compartment for a smart phone.
    Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nepal The climbing capital of the world, Nepal has been luring mountaineers for decades, including up the busy South Col route to the summit of Mount Everest.
    Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
  • In April, Liverpool lured CFG’s director of football data Laurie Shaw to Anfield in what was regarded as a major coup within the industry.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Why Corporate Leaders Should Care Executives might be tempted to dismiss PSLF as a narrow policy issue affecting only government and nonprofit workers.
    Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • You may be tempted to go straight in with loads of product, but for the best lash look, Gray recommends starting little by little.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • These two energies seduced me to find womxn who, through their artistic work, were open to rebellious acts such as publishing art books on essential topics.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • What really happened was that Cherry seduced Daniel into leaving after spotting her ex-boyfriend Nicholas’s new fiancée.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The increase in payments to insurers could be seen as a way to entice Medicare beneficiaries to move to Medicare Advantage.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Because while the perks of his elevated status are enticing, maintaining his dominance is as difficult as establishing it.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Masiko enrolled him in a boarding school and persuaded Peter’s mom to allow her son to move in with his family.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The alleged gunman was identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, whose family persuaded him to turn himself in after a two-day manhunt.
    Landon Mion , Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decoy. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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