decoys 1 of 2

plural of decoy
as in baits
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

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decoys

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of decoy

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 decoys
Noun
Radar seekers are especially important in poor weather, low visibility, and complex target environments where decoys or countermeasures can make target discrimination harder. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 They will be conducted by integrated teams of sensors, shooters, decoys, electronic attack, cyber capabilities, autonomous systems, and human decision-makers. David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Though reps for the group have yet to confirm what happened, the enigmatic duo are known for similars hijinks, including sending decoys to their Boiler Room DJ sets and interviews. Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 17 June 2026 When used correctly, these decoys can scare away pesky birds who are trying to roost on your porch. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 13 June 2026 Cuban leaders are believed to rely on hardened facilities, underground bunkers, tunnels, decoys, secure compounds and frequent movement. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
Verb
Osit looks for answers in multiple places, interviewing law enforcement officials and district attorneys, academics, and former Perverted Justice decoys from the show. Jason Newman, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decoys
Noun
  • When colonies are established, UC IPM recommends using ant baits rather than broad insecticide sprays.
    The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • These baits typically contain a slow-acting poison that the earwigs will carry back to their nests, affecting the entire population.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Thus, Dionysus drives Pentheus insane, lures him to the mountains, and the women of Thebes, in a state of Dionysian frenzy and led by Agave herself, tear Pentheus apart.
    Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 31 July 2026
  • Final Thoughts on How to Fish a Popper A popper is one of the most versatile topwater lures out there.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • The slight dogleg to the right tempts players to take an aggressive line off the tee, but an expansive waste bunker guards the shortcut and punishes any miscalculation.
    Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Plus, there’s something about being part of the process of buying (or growing) the ingredients and preparing a recipe that piques the curiosity of even the pickiest eater and tempts them to take a bite.
    Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • In the video, then-23-year-old Gugino plays a young woman who, after her rock star boyfriend cheats on her with her best friend, seduces an artist painting her portrait.
    Scott Huver, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026
  • With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike.
    Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Decoys.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decoys. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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