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
  • That’s what will thwart Hamilton, even if Leclerc could be persuaded to support him, and at the same time undo Ferrari’s corporate strategy for years to come, around that contract extension.
    Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Like Shylock, Kaftan is persuaded by a Gentile into making an unwise and ultimately dangerous investment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Ricki is charismatic but not otherwordly; if anything, the fact that James is able to seduce or threaten without appearing to do much at all is what makes Ricki extra formidable.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Or if leadership got seduced by silhouette, movement and atmosphere, neglecting to marry the galleries to the overall concept.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The country is one of Europe’s quickest growing AI markets, and major AI and big tech corporations such as Microsoft and TikTok have already pledged billions in investments into Finland, enticed by its growing role in Europe’s AI economy.
    Joshua Hong, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Rashford enticed the Ukrainian, then drove past him on the outside, further beating Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the area, forcing James Tarkowski to slide in to concede a corner.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Her medical fate is used by Kaftan’s deceivers to lure him into their trap, though again, this potential source of human feeling receives no emotional support from Mehring’s satiric style.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The words themselves feel poetic, almost decadent, but the images are robbed of their power to meet them, as each frame feels aimed only at presenting, rather than luring or excavating.
    Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • While on the trail, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife your dog may be tempted to chase.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • You could be tempted to let a friend, sibling or group chat decide everything just to avoid an unnecessary debate.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That copper complex is also responsible for the formula’s distinctive blue hue, while glycerin and two forms of hyaluronic acid draw in moisture for an immediate plumping effect.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Erewhon, which opened on Beverly Drive in 2022, has become a draw in its own right, attracting a steady stream of visitors to the block.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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