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 Kelce and Mahomes are the best of friends, and the thought of playing with his buddy and steakhouse co-owner might entice Kelce to return. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2026 New York Times Employers are using a variety of stealth tactics to entice workers to return to the office, including tying promotions to attendance. Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026 Far Niente 2023 Chardonnay has enticing aromas of cantaloupe melon, white peach, and citrus blossoms that transfer seamlessly to the palate with the addition of verbena, Bartlett pear, and lemon curd. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026 However, analysts and investors were disappointed by the launch, saying the models, which start at $36,990, aren’t affordable enough to entice a new group of consumers to consider going green. Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • Overbuy with the price still affordable At just under $80 an ounce currently, but with the potential for significant growth high right now, investors may be tempted to overbuy silver while the price is still affordable.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • This is where brands can tempt consumers with limited runs.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Next June, electric bills across that region will absorb billions more dollars in higher wholesale electricity costs designed to lure new power plants to power data centers.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Her mechanism for luring victims involves a stick, someone’s hair, her blood, and another person stupid enough to let her through their front door.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Released in 1994, Sátántangó (based on László Krasznahorka’s novel) chronicled an impoverished Hungarian village that becomes seduced by a would-be prophet who has seemingly come back from the dead.
    Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
  • This year, we were seduced by silver trays and a new take on the TV-dinner table.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • For their part, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere each worked hard to persuade Irishmen, Hessians, Indigenous people, and former slaves to defect to the patriot side.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The Running Point actress was spotted shopping for holiday presents last December with a hands-free bag strapped across her body, and just one 12-second TikTok clip persuaded us to dole out some change on a purse that’s just like hers.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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