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 Swiss cinema is resonating domestically and abroad as homegrown films and international co-productions continue to entice local audiences and festival goers around the globe. Ed Meza, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 Once viewed only as a source of capital, today Saudi Arabia is enticing technology companies to come and do business. Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026 All of this casts doubt on whether the event will pull the kind of star power that entices TV networks to break their regular prime-time programming and compel viewers to skip an NFL game to tune in. Daniel Strauss, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Now, a federal program that entices investments in distressed communities relies on the cohesive qualities of local areas to ensure a welcome place for new businesses. The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • While on the trail, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife your dog may be tempted to chase.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • You could be tempted to let a friend, sibling or group chat decide everything just to avoid an unnecessary debate.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Her medical fate is used by Kaftan’s deceivers to lure him into their trap, though again, this potential source of human feeling receives no emotional support from Mehring’s satiric style.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The words themselves feel poetic, almost decadent, but the images are robbed of their power to meet them, as each frame feels aimed only at presenting, rather than luring or excavating.
    Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Ricki is charismatic but not otherwordly; if anything, the fact that James is able to seduce or threaten without appearing to do much at all is what makes Ricki extra formidable.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Or if leadership got seduced by silhouette, movement and atmosphere, neglecting to marry the galleries to the overall concept.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Colbert’s horse was persuaded to piaffe—to trot in place, knees up, in a way that’s required in advanced dressage competitions.
    Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • In complex markets, buyers are rarely persuaded by product claims alone.
    Saul Marquez, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster