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 Their underground campaign ditched the standard teaser, trailer, poster and TV spots approach for a single cryptic billboard, a mysterious telephone number, and a trail of online breadcrumbs to entice fans to figure out the mystery of the film. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025 There was no question Danni’s Hard Drive came up with innovative ways to entice and keep subscribers. Mark Dent, HubSpot, 26 Sep. 2025 These destinations have new and noteworthy things to entice travelers—direct flights, hotel openings, and even a longevity certification. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 26 Sep. 2025 On a mountain ridge in eastern India, surrounded by tropical evergreen forests, an acoustic lure echoed through the trees — an attempt by researchers to entice whatever might be living there. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • Yet no one would be tempted to call one species natural, the other not.
    Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The author throws out plenty of bones to tempt a composer.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The town dates back to the 1860s, when Union Pacific's nearby coal deposits lured thousands of immigrant laborers to the mines and railyards as the company neared the completion of the transcontinental railroad.
    Jenna McMurtry, NPR, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Starring Lee Jung-jae, the series follows a group of indebted individuals who are lured into a macabre number of challenges that promise riches for the winner.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Here are some of the less invasive procedures seducing Hollywood, as well as some of their most sought-after practitioners.
    Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Janet and Brad are put in separate rooms and both are seduced in the night by a shape-shifting Frank – in Janet's case, losing her virginity.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, Pittsburgh’s defense rested on the idea that the taxes equal out when considering the school-district tax—a point, as explained above, that failed to persuade the judges who have presided over this litigation.
    Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Following two successful seasons at Ole Miss, Lane weighed the possibility of taking another head coaching job, but Landry persuaded him to stay.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on entice

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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