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
  • Janabi said one of the biggest challenges has been persuading those who are infected to seek medical assistance, adding that some deaths occur in the community outside of health centers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Mamut and Grönberg were persuaded by Paul Best, a new arrival at Elliott, who believed that the eclipse of brick-and-mortar retail by online commerce had been overstated, and that certain chains could flourish if well capitalized.
    — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Will Stewart be seduced into the path of corruption by using Sinestro’s emotionally tainted battery, or steel himself against ill influences and continue to blaze his own trail as Earth's sole protector for the time being?
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Armani’s languid silhouette soon seduced red- and blue-blooded men the world over.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Emirates, which has nearly returned to its prewar capacity, is trying to entice more connecting travelers on long-haul flights to make a stop in Dubai.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The 17-year-old said there is a lot of peer pressure to vape, and the product flavors and designs are enticing for teens.
    — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Nothing would lure them back to repair the fracture; not a 1998 tribute record, nor a £2 million reunion offer.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • But, war or no war, M+C Saatchi would endeavor to lure tourists here.
    — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • There are two clues that suggest Burnham may be tempted to pull the trigger.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • With substantial American forces already positioned in the region, Washington may be tempted to break the deadlock through another round of attacks.
    — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Since then Emery's team has gone from strength to strength with six wins and one draw in all.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The fighting now threatens to draw in Turkey and Pakistan to support Saudi Arabia, as the three countries recently signed a mutual security pact known as the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.
    — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Inveigle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveigle. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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