entice

Definition of enticenext

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 Sun Flair Scavenger Hunt As warmer weather hopefully settles in, the City of Sunnyvale is enticing people to explore parks and public art on a scavenger hunt for 26 Sun Flair sculptures across 13 locations. Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026 Such fallen pieces of history have enticed explorers and enthusiasts, some of whom have ventured into the depths to view them themselves — including Cameron. Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 The goal is to reinvent Gatorade beyond a sports drink and into a hydration brand enticing for everybody, Mike Del Pozzo, president of PepsiCo’s US beverage category, told CNN. Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2026 As Dead City grow beyond the outlaw punk scene, the entertainment industry is enticed yet wary of this genuinely divisive and chaotic band. Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • The proof is at the farmers market, where fresh asparagus, peas, rhubarb and other seasonal vegetables tempt us with their delicious potential in the kitchen.
    Victoria Caruso, Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Gentry’s lean frame limits his play strength, and the role fit will vary wildly depending on the scheme, but going to tempt creative coaching staffs.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Last week, the prosecution showed the jurors chilling video and audio evidence that included Athena’s last moments after Horner lured her inside the FedEx van.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Red-hot demand for server products has lured memory suppliers into concentrating on the high-speed processors for those machines.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Every summer, stylish crowds congregate along France’s southeastern shores, seduced by the glamorous promise of the French Riviera, spending their days sipping overpriced cocktails at the high-end resorts that line its sandy beaches as if plucked straight from a Slim Aarons photo.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026
  • To speak in verse is to tease, to cajole, to seduce, all actions that suggest an excess of desire.
    New York Times, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Somehow the estate managed to persuade HBO to come to an amicable settlement.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In the end, county officials were persuaded to act.
    Anna Clark, ProPublica, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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