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 But his wayward cousin Freddie constantly inveigles him into more serious mischief. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 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 At a ball where Byron was surrounded by a flock of ladies, Lamb inveigled the hostess to introduce her, and, having looked earnestly, wordlessly, into the poet’s face, Lamb immediately turned on her heel. Clare McHugh, Washington Post, 28 May 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inveigle
Verb
  • Topline Consumer prices rose as expected in July, according to Federal data published Wednesday, as analysts projected an in-line inflation report would likely persuade the Federal Reserve not to raise interest rates next month.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Police called in crisis negotiators to persuade the man to surrender as firefighters extinguished the fire.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • And to seduce Hannah… Every girl should get to seduce Hannah Einbinder.
    Carita Rizzo, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Nevertheless, don’t be seduced by someone else (or even yourself), because things are not clear today.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The houses are capturing spending from wealthy collectors, winning over some former primary-market customers, and using luxury to entice entirely new buyers over to the auction ecosystem.
    George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Fall fashion tends to kickstart our lust for the new season as brands start to launch enticing pre-fall collections.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Dozens of new laws take effect in Colorado on Wednesday as part of state lawmakers’ efforts to increase safety of ride-hailing apps, improve affordable housing development and curb Coloradans from leaving out trash that could lure bears.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2026
  • According to court records, Conahan, an unemployed nurse, lured Montgomery into the woods in northern Charlotte County to take nude bondage photos.
    CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • If the thermostat is working properly but the air conditioner is struggling, don’t be tempted to turn down the temperature even more.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Fast capital can create a false sense of security, tempting companies to take on massive contracts before their core production processes or management structures have matured enough to handle that scale.
    Chris Hale, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Yazmeen Ryan's second-half goal pulled the Summit (6-7-6) into a draw in San Diego.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The super-creamy formula pairs medium, buildable coverage with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw in moisture, squalane and panthenol to keep skin soft, and peptides to smooth the look of fine lines.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inveigle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveigle. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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