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
  • While working there, Anderson persuaded Burkle to provide him with $100,000 in seed capital to launch his lobbying firm Platinum Advisors, according to the complaint filed by Burkle’s company.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Wellington said the victim was persuaded to convert assets into gold and provided it to individuals who posed as couriers.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Bale has the more interesting role as the youth who at first chooses Hitler out of expedience, but then becomes seduced by power and status.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Waugh walks around with a newfound swagger, playing hooky, drinking heavily, even seducing a woman at his local.
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Players from all over were enticed by the Raiders, who opened up the coffers to land key free agent additions, including linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Milestone said the weak snowfall and comparatively mild winter may entice some climbers to try to ascend the peak early.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • New owners Laura and Tim Schneider hope the reborn paper can aid in the community’s recovery by sharing information on the rebuilding process and luring residents and businesses back.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • An intelligence report presented to Kenya’s Parliament last month by majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah said Kenyan and Russian government officials colluded with recruitment agencies to lure Kenyans to the front lines.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Some in the West will be tempted to see this as the generals’ chickens coming home to roost.
    Mihir Sharma, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Caregivers may be tempted to let kids win or even cheat to avoid meltdowns and tantrums.
    Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Such an outcome could unleash a civil conflict that might well flood the Middle East with refugees, amplify the threat of terrorism, further destabilize the region, and draw in outside powers.
    Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Depending on the draw in a couple of weeks, more than a few will want to consider predicting them to advance.
    Sam McDowell March 3, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Inveigle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveigle. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inveigle

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!

More from Merriam-Webster