entice

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb entice differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of entice are decoy, inveigle, lure, seduce, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When is it sensible to use decoy instead of entice?

While the synonyms decoy and entice are close in meaning, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

Where would inveigle be a reasonable alternative to entice?

The words inveigle and entice can be used in similar contexts, but inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

In what contexts can lure take the place of entice?

Although the words lure and entice have much in common, 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 entice?

The meanings of seduce and entice largely overlap; however, seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

When would tempt be a good substitute for entice?

In some situations, the words tempt and entice are roughly equivalent. However, 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 entice The July 30 practice enticed fans who come every year and others making their first trip to Halas Hall. Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025 The JPMorgan Chase chief said companies could be enticed to manufacture in the U.S., among other business ventures. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 31 July 2025 Once the novelty factor has worn off, there won’t be anything to entice the average Angeleno, living in a city of outrageously diverse cuisine and plenty of storied diners, to come back a second time, except maybe for the supercharger stations. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 27 July 2025 Krishnan hopes they can be enticed with this new version that has the distinct Pepsi flavor. Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • The most favorable water temperature for tempting a lunker (most of them will be females) that is going through this early buildup is between 55 and 60 degrees.
    Anthony A. Ciuffa, Outdoor Life, 7 Aug. 2025
  • During the hiatus from her discography, perhaps director John Waters can tempt her into making her onscreen debut after a recent meeting.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In the film, which entered production in Mississippi this week, a seasoned criminologist and a young female psychologist are lured to a remote Mississippi town to investigate the murder of a little girl and the disappearance of her twin sister.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 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
  • 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
  • In the framework of conversational intelligence, most workplace communication falls into Level 1 (telling) or Level 2 (persuading).
    Susan Curtin, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • But Newsom clearly believes those hurdles can be overcome in California and that voters can be persuaded to forge a realignment to help Democrats.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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