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 Scotland captain Robertson rifled in a low shot from outside the penalty box 10 minutes into the second half to put Liverpool ahead and then Salah crashed home his enticing cross two minutes later. ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026 Canadians first began going to Las Vegas around the 1950s, hopping on air junkets organized by Las Vegas casinos to entice high rollers, Firestone said. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026 Trump’s tariff agenda aimed to spark a blue-collar job boom by enticing companies to reshore manufacturing. Brian Cheung, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026 This is especially true for the mortgage rate environment, which significantly cooled in 2025 but still needs to drop further to entice more borrowers to purchase a home. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • Some in the West will be tempted to see this as the generals’ chickens coming home to roost.
    Mihir Sharma, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Caregivers may be tempted to let kids win or even cheat to avoid meltdowns and tantrums.
    Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • New owners Laura and Tim Schneider hope the reborn paper can aid in the community’s recovery by sharing information on the rebuilding process and luring residents and businesses back.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • An intelligence report presented to Kenya’s Parliament last month by majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah said Kenyan and Russian government officials colluded with recruitment agencies to lure Kenyans to the front lines.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Bale has the more interesting role as the youth who at first chooses Hitler out of expedience, but then becomes seduced by power and status.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Waugh walks around with a newfound swagger, playing hooky, drinking heavily, even seducing a woman at his local.
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • While working there, Anderson persuaded Burkle to provide him with $100,000 in seed capital to launch his lobbying firm Platinum Advisors, according to the complaint filed by Burkle’s company.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Wellington said the victim was persuaded to convert assets into gold and provided it to individuals who posed as couriers.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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