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
Christina Harward, a Russia analyst at the Institute for the Study of War, said that according to current estimates, Moscow can now produce about 2,700 Shahed drones per month, as well as some 2,500 decoy drones. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 15 June 2025 Use scare tactics like predator decoys, reflective objects, or windsocks to make your patio less appealing for birds to perch. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2025
Verb
Russia launched 108 Shahed and decoy drones at Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian air force said. Yehor Konovalov, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025 For example, the boss tom with a bunch of hens will be hard to decoy in with a single hen. Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decoy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decoy
Noun
  • Guests learn how to read the water, what to watch for, what surface breaks mean, and how to track bait activity.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 July 2025
  • The European Union has spent millions to help secure the return of wolf populations that for generations were persecuted through hunting and poison baits.
    Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Barely over a year ago, McKay was obsessing over film and trying to lure Peter to Liberty.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s archive features postcards depicting Black children sitting near swamps to lure alligators.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • At month 10, schedule a conversation focused entirely on what might tempt them away.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • Children may be tempted to touch the flames, which can reach temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees and some run with them, sometimes leading to eye impalement.
    Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • But what really seduced me was the transgressive idea of imagining who else lives inside each of us.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 19 June 2025
  • Teenagers and their parents can be easily seduced, so Underwood is respected for his role in keeping those players at Thorp Arch.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • According to the most recent survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), sentiment among U.S. homebuilders is now at its lowest level since 2022, as many are forced to cut prices and offer incentives to entice reluctant buyers.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • For Hale, the industry is ripe for innovation, and the element of control is enticing consumers.
    Alexa Mikhail, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • As the relationship between the young couple became more serious, Sarah’s parents tried to show him the best of Kansas City in the hopes that Yaron — who grew up in Germany and Israel — might be persuaded to stay in the US.
    Wolf Blitzer, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
  • Even with that new path looming, though, his father, Ignacio, persuaded him to attend one last tryout in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo that would be scouted by all 30 MLB teams.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decoy. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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