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 president ended up having to take a decoy plane for a lot of his events or the candidate at the time. ABC News, 6 July 2025 The military launched B-2s to the Pacific as a decoy, part of a deception effort. Henry J. Gomez, NBC news, 23 June 2025
Verb
Ukraine’s air force said Tuesday that Russia fired 52 Shahed and decoy drones at the country overnight. Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 1 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
  • In one recent case, robotic bunnies in Florida were even used as bait to lure invasive pythons.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Surprisingly, in a world of rampant ghosting, a lot of people took the bait.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • While such streamers as Netflix, Hulu and Paramount+ bulked up their offerings to lure subscribers, the number of WGA West members rose from 21,195 in March 2013 to 26,350 in March 2022, according to documents the union filed with the Department of Labor.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Such interchangeability within City’s in-possession structure helps to lure defenders out of shape, while incisive forward running from Nunes, O’Reilly and Gvardiol down the flanks helps to exploit those spaces.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In a sponsor category long dominated by two giants, the athleisure maker joins a wave of challengers tempting star players with opportunities for creative input—and lucrative financial terms.
    Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Whereas others directly involved in the ad industry may be tempted to make a deal like Omnicon's to settle litigation, MMFA refuses to capitulate to Musk or the FTC, vowing to fight both battles to the bitter end.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • South Park's season 27 premiere drew a response from the White House after the series depicted Trump attempting to seduce Satan.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Giselle, one of the oldest story ballets, has two parts: In the First Act, Giselle, a young peasant girl is seduced by Albrecht, a nobleman in disguise.
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Unless Dalton is truly hurt, Plummer’s second-half production probably didn’t entice the squad all that much.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Bella Union Rosé, founded by the team behind the legendary Far Niente Winery in Napa will also entice.
    Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Suspect arrested on scene The suspect, who was not publicly identified, was arrested after bystanders persuaded him to drop his firearm.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Trump has persuaded them to align with Putin’s rejection of the ceasefire and instead adopt an overall peace deal view.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decoy. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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