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decoy

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of decoy

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 of decoy

bait, lure
Words Related to decoy

ambush, net, trap

hook, snare, troll

plug, scent, spinner, stool pigeon

appeal, attraction, call, draw, incentive, pull

enticement, seducement, seduction, temptation

entanglement, entrapment
Near Antonyms of decoy

repellent (also repellant)

decoy

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of decoy

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage

  • tacky souvenir shops to which first-time tourists had been decoyed into spending their hard-earned money
Synonyms of decoy

allure, bait, beguile, betray, entice, lead on, lure, seduce, solicit, tempt
Words Related to decoy

draw in, inveigle, persuade, rope (in), snow

catch, enmesh (also immesh), ensnare, entrap, mesh, snare, tangle, trap

bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, fascinate, magnetize, wile
Near Antonyms of decoy

alert, caution, forewarn, ward (off), warn

drive (away or off), repulse, turn away

Synonym Discussion of decoy

lure, entice, inveigle, decoy, tempt, seduce mean to lead astray from one's true course. lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.
    • lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes
entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.
    • advertising designed to entice new customers
inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.
    • fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni
decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.
    • attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush
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
seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.
    • seduced by assurances of assistance

Learn More about decoy

  1. See words that rhyme with decoy Dictionary: Definition of decoy Spanish Central: Translation of decoy Nglish: Translation of decoy for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about decoy

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