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
  • Reacher and Green run into a hotel and persuade the staff to lock the doors, claiming there’s an active shooter outside.
    Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • In March, one of DraftKings’ cofounders, Matthew Kalish, stepped down as president—but not before persuading the board to approve a series of potentially lucrative deals to benefit his new marketing company.
    Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • When Miguel is being seduced by the bunker project, Zeller and composer Volker Bertelmann even weave voices resembling the Sirens into the score.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In luxury hospitality, a beautiful site can seduce almost anyone.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The bet is that the interesting content will entice fans around the world and grow the series’ audience as the debut of its second season draws near.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • When Idrissa Gueye’s pass to Vitalii Mykolenko entices Curtis Jones to press the left-back, Dewsbury-Hall and McNeil spot the space behind Ibrahima Konate and attack it.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The price of these franchises demands operating with that paradigm and thus lures those who see growth like hammers see nails.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Neighbors say they're left shaken after an elderly couple was lured out of their home by thieves, who ransacked their house and stole from them.
    Jermont Terry, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The people featured in the 11th annual installment of this uplifting exercise help the less fortunate, tend to the environment, tempt our taste buds, help budding entrepreneurs thrive, minister to the downtrodden and more.
    Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • He may be tempted to give the same players another run this weekend.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw in moisture to tame frizz, while pea peptide and biotin further condition and smooth strands.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Brighton face Norwegian side Tromso in the Conference League play-off round second leg at the Amex Stadium on Thursday after a 0-0 draw in the away leg last week.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inveigle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveigle. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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