entice

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 event coincided with Alibaba’s own Singles Day launch in Shanghai, where the company showed off new AI tools to entice shoppers more effectively and reduce costs for sellers. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025 The temptation to shop is turbocharged with algorithms like that of TikTok Shop, enticing people to try more channels and products. Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2025 With Kelly running the offense in Vegas, if the Raiders do, indeed, have a top-five pick next April, Moore might be too enticing a player for the team to pass up on. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 The deal is enticing since signing up as a new Starlink customer typically requires a one-time payment of $300 for a satellite dish. PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • Competing stories tempt people and nations into war.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • But when a grubby circus impresario, Fulbert Freakfinder, arrives offering Stitch Head a starring role in his freak show, our hero is tempted by the promise of love and acceptance.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • South Korea last week issued a travel ban for parts of Cambodia after the death of a South Korean student lured to work in the scam compounds, according to police.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
  • He is accused of luring a young girl into his van parked in the church’s parking lot or to the church’s basement to abuse the girl over and over during a seven-year period, according to the release.
    Ryanne Mena, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When they are named, the aim is to seduce with a touch of whimsy and decadence.
    Joel Hart, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, a manipulative judge, Roland Brack (Nicholas Pinnock), lurks around the fringes, hoping to seduce or even blackmail the electrically attractive Hedda.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lawmakers in the two states still may be persuaded, and the White House push, which has included an Oval Office meeting for Indiana lawmakers and two trips to Indianapolis by Vice President JD Vance, is expected to continue.
    Isabella Volmert, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • According to this speculation, WWE might be attempting to use the leverage of a potential one-year non-compete clause as a way to persuade Andrade to return to the company.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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