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 This democratization would be yet another brick in the road toward a new generation enticing the James Beard Awards to the city’s door. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026 Credit card companies long ago realized that offering lounge access enticed new customers, with Chase, American Express, Citi, Capital One, and more getting in the game. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Nov. 2026 Only a handful of new acts a year develop with the profile and following to entice that kind of spending on physical product from their fans, but there’s no shortage of such acts to be found in the past. — Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2026 But visitors can also expect an unrivalled food scene, a thriving nightlife, world-class museums, unique architecture and a medieval old town that entices you to just keep wandering. — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • Something entertaining could tempt you this evening, especially if the offer makes enjoyment sound urgent.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Well, that’s another story entirely, and presents tempting shortcuts that undermine the learning process by depriving kids of the chance to develop analytical and research skills.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • That hasn’t deterred a startup called Alta from trying to lure banks and big companies with a blockchain of its own.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The Nordic countries are well known for their rather gimmicky yet innovative travel campaigns luring travelers to the icy north.
    — Lola Akinmade, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Crown and Bennet simultaneously seduce and suspect each other.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2026
  • As chlorophyll fades and the brilliant hues of sugar maples, ginkgoes, oaks and more illuminate the horizon, fall gently seduces us into thinking all is beautiful and peaceful.
    — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • And Michael was obviously the most on my case, and there was no persuading him otherwise.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 31 Oct. 2026
  • In 2020, Ben Motal aptly persuaded the Court of Appeals that the FOIA's right to copy records includes photographing them, after Little Rock incredibly barred him from snapping a picture of an accident report.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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