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
• lead on
• fascinate
• decoy
• trap
• entrap
• enchant
• ensnare
• rope (in)
• draw in
• inveigle
• captivate
• snow
• catch
• mesh
• snare
• bewitch
• charm
• enmesh
• tangle
• magnetize
• wile

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

Detectives reviewed the materials and obtained a warrant charging Melnick with harmful communications with a minor, enticing a minor and misrepresenting age to entice a minor. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026

The new offerings come as fast food chains across the country continue to roll out new strategies to entice customers and double down on lower cost options. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026

Lendeborg told The Associated Press that the University of Kentucky had dangled between US$7 million and $9 million to entice him to transfer there in 2025. —Andrew Urbaczewski, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026

The complaint alleged that the company understated these statistics to entice customers to pay a price premium for the bars. —Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026