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 The company has a vast well of stories and characters to tap into in order to entice parkgoers. Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 With the addition of free, third-party podcasts, Audible can now entice more users to download their app for free podcast content and then upsell them to the Plus Plan or the monthly audiobook subscription plan. Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Ryninks was delighted to have enticed such a high calibre of Welsh talent aboard this small indie. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026 The houses are capturing spending from wealthy collectors, winning over some former primary-market customers, and using luxury to entice entirely new buyers over to the auction ecosystem. George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • The next time you are tempted to just jump out of your car and start pumping, keep these considerations in mind.
    Molly Burford, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
  • However, when one of the three women feels guilty about snubbing their lifelong pal, Mel shows up and suddenly the weekend turns to complete chaos, tempting the trio to break free from the madness that has hobbled their friend group for years.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • At the crossroads of civilizations, this island nation has long lured design buffs with its walled villages, fairy-tale architecture, and mix of Arab and European influences.
    Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Attempts to lure Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha have proven fruitless, with neither appearing likely to advance at this stage.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In luxury hospitality, a beautiful site can seduce almost anyone.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Blowing Oleksa’s cover would mean publicly admitting that there are five senators on her asset list — one of whom was seduced into posing for some, uh, compromising photographs.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The king’s openness in talking about his diagnosis has been credited with persuading more men to be tested for prostate cancer and other forms of the disease.
    Danica Kirka, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Save to wishlist Melin Tregwynt Welsh Blanket Sanneh, who Miron Ahlers persuaded to join The Trail Club, sees the house as the next phase of the club.
    Sara Ruffin Costello, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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