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
  • The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The challenge was not simply to persuade undecided voters, but to get those who already preferred him to show up at the polls.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The last crime, a blackmail scheme that involved hiring a prostitute to seduce his sister’s husband, suggests a dubious approach to conflict management.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • The many interactive exhibits that dot the new building’s 200,000 square feet of gallery space are geared to entice and educate people of all ages.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Justin Perez, 28, of Springfield, Massachusetts took a plea deal on Monday in Rockville Superior Court, pleading guilty to charges of risk of injury to a minor and enticing a minor, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • For film, the roadmap covers support for luring large-scale location shoots, backing for international co-productions built on Japanese IP and tougher anti-piracy measures.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Bolsonaro made a tough-on-crime approach the cornerstone of his campaign and pledged to bring down food costs while Lula, trying to lure undecided voters, has invested in costly incentives.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • If you’re tempted to skip the conversation and start scrolling through your partner’s chat history, Nelson suggests asking yourself why.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 27 Oct. 2026
  • After viciously hitting step-back threes, trash talking anyone who dares tempt him and racking up two NBA scoring titles, Doncic just likes to stay home, maybe get lunch or play cards.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 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

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Cite this Entry

“Inveigle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveigle. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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