Synonyms of entice

entice

verb

in-ˈtīs 

as in to tempt

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

every commercial seemed to be for some tempting snack specifically designed to entice me from my diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tempt
• lure
• seduce
• persuade
• betray
• beguile
• solicit
• bait
• allure
• decoy
• lead on
• fascinate
• inveigle
• trap
• enchant
• entrap
• ensnare
• captivate
• rope (in)
• draw in
• enmesh
• snow
• bewitch
• catch
• snare
• magnetize
• mesh
• charm
• tangle
• wile
• immesh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warn
• alert
• ward (off)
• caution
• drive (away or off)
• forewarn
• turn away
• repulse

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

Recent Examples of entice

Offering care, food and shelter can entice vulnerable young people into dangerous situations. —Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 16 June 2025

Wind pollination is highly inefficient and self-pollination does not allow for evolution, so many plant species have evolved to entice and use insects and animals to pollinate themselves. —The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025

This entices ants to carry away and disperse the seeds. —Don Sweeney, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025

Working in recognizable horror subgenres, Byrne entices you with a familiar premise and then slowly teases apart the tropes, leaving you unsettled but also invigorated by his inventiveness. —Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025