inveigle

Definition of inveiglenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inveigle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inveigle are decoy, entice, lure, seduce, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When is it sensible to use decoy instead of inveigle?

While in some cases nearly identical to inveigle, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When might entice be a better fit than inveigle?

Although the words entice and inveigle have much in common, entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When could lure be used to replace inveigle?

The words lure and inveigle can be used in similar contexts, but lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

When is seduce a more appropriate choice than inveigle?

While the synonyms seduce and inveigle are close in meaning, seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

In what contexts can tempt take the place of inveigle?

The meanings of tempt and inveigle largely overlap; 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 inveigle Unlike his small-time Israeli rivals, the placards implied, Netanyahu was a savvy statesman who punched above his weight on the international stage, thanks to his unaccented English oratory and ability to inveigle the world’s most powerful people. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025 On hand for the séance is a thoroughly skeptical Poirot, inveigled to attend by a mystery-novelist friend, Ariadne Oliver. Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Sep. 2023 Norman Mailer tried to inveigle his dinner guests into an orgy, and not long after wrote a cruel letter to Styron, breaking off their friendship. Marion Winik, Washington Post, 15 June 2023 Another threat that is likely to inveigle itself into the Web3 domain is phishing. Andrew Newman, Forbes, 4 May 2022 All of those thinly veiled efforts to inveigle an answer are met with a stock response. New York Times, 26 Nov. 2021 The two cell-surface proteins that SARS-CoV-2 uses to make contact with its target cells and inveigle its way into them would fit into this category. The Economist, 20 Aug. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inveigle
Verb
  • The administration has persuaded several dozen countries to take in deportees who are not their own citizens, including African countries plagued by armed conflict, civil unrest and political turmoil, like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • Pino’s attorneys were unsuccessful in persuading Tinkler Mendez to bar the claim from being mentioned in the trial.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 12 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
  • But this disjointed medley, performed by Christiani Pitts and Sam Tutty, offered little context for what is meant to be exciting or enticing about the show.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 8 June 2026
  • Starter Mason Cook enticed Deiten Lachance into a 6-4-3 double play that scored the run.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • More casual apps lure users in with a free experience before asking for cash once they’re invested.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
  • At the same time, the chance to work with robotics has begun luring younger workers for whom the digital revolution and video games are second nature.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Profits from gas and oil have been pumped into the development of a leisure infrastructure to tempt tourists and drive business to local companies.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
  • You’re tempted to pick out the single load-bearing word—a Guts or a Sour to fit these songs inside.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Certain colors draw in fruit flies more than others.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
  • Assistant coach Dean Gorre stepped in to oversee a scoreless draw in Jamaica to clinch qualification, and Advocaat has since returned to guide the team in the tournament.
    Dennis Pope, Oc Register, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inveigle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveigle. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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