entice

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 With young graduates these days pursuing fortunes in tech, rather than the City, enticing them back may prove difficult. Ian King, CNBC, 17 June 2026 Seen from the other side of the deal, that means that bond issuers must pay higher yields, or rates, for investors to be enticed to buy. Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 15 June 2026 Financial incentives offered by the conservation district, in conjunction with federal programs, have enticed farmers in the South Fork of the Republican River near Burlington to end irrigation on an additional 20,000 acres. Allen Best, Denver Post, 14 June 2026 Many locals are embracing the festive atmosphere, while others are already looking for ways to entice Scottish visitors back to Boston even after the World Cup ends. Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • You may be tempted to make your way down to the beach at the bottom, but beware!
    Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 21 June 2026
  • The whirlwind three-hour tour took us into the heart of the city, first to Mısır Çarşısı, or the Egyptian Bazaar, filled with aromatic spices and tempting Turkish delight, then to the stunning Rüstem Pasha Mosque, which was built in 1561.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Businesses set up signs, posters and international flags to lure locals and tourists alike, while the Miracle Theater hosted a watch party for the match between France and Senegal.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Fallout The crisis has exposed divisions within González’s own party as her administration works to lure new investors to the island and remedy chronic power outages.
    Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • One class in, and Hannah is thoroughly seduced both by Melanie’s flattery and by her therapyspeak approach to acting, with its talk of truth-telling and connecting to one’s body.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 June 2026
  • Young women being preyed upon and seduced by rapacious Hollywood producers, stars and studio heads is a tired cliché, but like all clichés, it is based on reality.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • After receiving news that Ruben has lost his appeal and seems resigned to his fate, Anna naturally springs into action in a last-ditch effort to persuade the governor of his innocence.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 19 June 2026
  • For a service built on impulse viewing, telco deals buy instant reach and built-in billing in price-sensitive markets where persuading users to sign up directly can be hard.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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