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 Some blame the content for not being enticing enough, while others contend that the programs could be promoted better on Netflix. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 With Zelda so close to its movie debut, the game's poised to ensnare old fans and entice new players. — James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026 Ho-seok has yet to be interviewed for the documentary, and Ye-ji, who treats her subjects as friends, hopes that a weekend of pampering will entice him to coöperate. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 During the mid-2000s, some tribal members, enticed by a chance at life-changing money, got involved in moving people and drugs, fueling cycles of arrest and incarceration that exacerbated challenges the community was already facing. — Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • There are two clues that suggest Burnham may be tempted to pull the trigger.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • With substantial American forces already positioned in the region, Washington may be tempted to break the deadlock through another round of attacks.
    — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Nothing would lure them back to repair the fracture; not a 1998 tribute record, nor a £2 million reunion offer.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • But, war or no war, M+C Saatchi would endeavor to lure tourists here.
    — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Will Stewart be seduced into the path of corruption by using Sinestro’s emotionally tainted battery, or steel himself against ill influences and continue to blaze his own trail as Earth's sole protector for the time being?
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Armani’s languid silhouette soon seduced red- and blue-blooded men the world over.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Janabi said one of the biggest challenges has been persuading those who are infected to seek medical assistance, adding that some deaths occur in the community outside of health centers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Mamut and Grönberg were persuaded by Paul Best, a new arrival at Elliott, who believed that the eclipse of brick-and-mortar retail by online commerce had been overstated, and that certain chains could flourish if well capitalized.
    — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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