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 There aren’t exactly enticing free-agent options at the position, either, so maybe general manager Brian Gutekunst uses his second-round pick on a cornerback and develops him behind Nixon and Carrington Valentine for now. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026 Eric Patrick, 31, pleaded guilty in an Orlando courtroom to attempting to entice a 15-year-old, whom Patrick and his husband, Richard Kowalczyk, met on Grindr, a dating app for gay men, according to Patrick’s plea agreement. Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026 Part of what makes Joomra Pillow Slippers enticing is their waterproof design. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 DiMeo said the business relies a lot on customers wearing the costumes on the slopes to entice sales. Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • She may be tempted to revise Article 9 of the Constitution, which bans maintaining a military and going to war.
    Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 2026
  • As systems act more autonomously and with greater speed, humans would be tempted to abdicate decision making in order to leverage their power.
    Deb Roy, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Indiana lawmakers took another step Thursday toward potentially luring the Chicago Bears to the state, as a key committee approved a plan to create an agency that would build a new stadium for the team.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
  • During this time Gertler discovered a talent for luring investors.
    Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This is so outrageous that even Creepy Professor Oliver McCreepenstein, a middle-aged married man currently seducing his 17-year-old student, is aghast.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Ahead, find 15 red velvet nail ideas that are made to seduce.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • By April, Kabila’s new government was persuaded by the IMF and the World Bank to withdraw from the contract with Gertler after only eight months.
    Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
  • In the years following COVID, Picturehouse – like other movie theater chains – had to persuade people to come back into the movie theaters.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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!