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 At the same time, though, the excitement around AI infrastructure spending has waned, and now the market seems as spooked by it than enticed. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026 You may be enticed by a new set of stairs on the northeast side, next to the Bleymaier Football Center, but those are for people sitting in the eastside stands. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026 Daines later said withdrawing earlier could have enticed a prominent Democrat like Tester to enter the race. Kirk Siegler, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026 These companies often entice authorities with free trials of surveillance equipment and promises of free access to their data in ways that bypass local oversight laws. Jess Reia, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • After Tatis fouled off the next pitch, Flaherty did what a lot of pitchers will do to Tatis and tempted him with a slider that broke low and outside the zone.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Today, when architecture often seems tempted to retreat in the face of cascading crises, Gehry’s career suggests a different response.
    Julian Rose, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The pair are chaos agents who, in conferring the benefit of sudden wealth, lure the recipients into corruption.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Court documents show the suspects allegedly lured a private driver, who was hired by Arnold, and his two associates to an apartment in Tampa.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Intrigued, the Duke secretly seduces Gilda, breaks her heart and destroys Rigoletto’s life.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Tommy disburses stuffings and sauces to hungry locals as the GIs seduced their grandmothers with Camels and nylon stockings.
    Dominic Green, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Paul Revere's engraving depicting the Boston Massacre was another example of using art to persuade people to the Revolutionary cause, Rudnick said.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Ever since the first caveman tricked his neighbor into trading a pile of rocks for some tasty mastodon steaks, con men have been persuading others to act against their own interests.
    Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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