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 Visions of the Western United States —its woods and landscapes— both entice and haunt Grainier throughout his life, evoking unanswerable beauty and heartbreak that circle around and around the logger and railroad worker, nonlinearly over the course of the film. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2025 This the latest effort by the CFDA to champion sustainability and entice more designers to pursue that path. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025 The clown’s job was to offer something extraordinary to keep circus crowds in their seats and to entice sideshow visitors back to the big top for the main events. Time, 30 Oct. 2025 While a dog can be bribed with a squeaky toy and a pig would surely look at the camera when enticed with a sausage on a stick, cats are known for their admirably self-serving demeanors. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • With fall flavors like cinnamon and pumpkin, the right cookie will tempt even the biggest pie fans.
    Macie Stump, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
  • That way, you aren’t tempted to doze on the couch or adult bed with the baby in your arms.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Scream 7 casting seems designed to lure fans back in.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Police were dispatched to the scene and the owner eventually lured the pet back down to the ground by bribing it with a cookie.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Guided by director David Lynch, Ladd had a field day with Marietta, who tries to seduce her daughter’s boyfriend (Nicolas Cage).
    Chris Koseluk, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Farrell plays John, the ambitious and chatty servant who is seduced by the mistress of the house (Jessica Chastain), as a nervous bundle of energy who becomes more agonized and frantic over the course of the film.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In 1865, the Vatican News said, university professor Vincenzo Pepe persuaded Longo to ditch satanism.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
  • All's Fair, attempting to persuade costar Sarah Paulson that Aldrin didn't actually land on the moon.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on entice

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