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
  • But the $1,000 incentive persuaded the couple, whose daughter Maya was born in late March, to start an account anyway.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • But the threat alone has persuaded some ships to abandon their plans to exit the Red Sea heading south.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • In the video, then-23-year-old Gugino plays a young woman who, after her rock star boyfriend cheats on her with her best friend, seduces an artist painting her portrait.
    Scott Huver, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026
  • With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike.
    Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • The short turn around is designed to entice users to act quickly and pre-order, but rest assured that a similar PayPal deal will likely come around again in the next few months.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Profit was pressured by lower average vehicle selling prices as the company offered incentives to entice buyers.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • In March, at a town hall meeting hosted by the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District, some influential Beach figures sharply questioned whether the zoning benefits would be sufficiently generous to lure developers.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Technology companies have spent billions in recent months to lure top talent and acquire AI capabilities.
    Samantha Subin,MacKenzie Sigalos,Jonathan Vanian,Jordan Novet, CNBC, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • This money should be separate from your everyday checking account so you're not tempted to dip into it for routine spending.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Other teams, including Remco Evenepoel’s Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, may be tempted to try a move on Alpe d’Huez tomorrow, in case of sickness — a move of such aggression that it would never usually be considered.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • San Diego, an expansion team last season, played Dallas to a 3-3 draw in Texas in mid-March and is 3-0-1 in the first four matchups.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • Ferro thinks the All-Star Game could draw in new fans riding the World Cup high.
    Kamran Nia July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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