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 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 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 The two cell-surface proteins that SARS-CoV-2 uses to make contact with its target cells and inveigle its way into them would fit into this category. The Economist, 20 Aug. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inveigle
Verb
  • After receiving news that Ruben has lost his appeal and seems resigned to his fate, Anna naturally springs into action in a last-ditch effort to persuade the governor of his innocence.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 19 June 2026
  • For a service built on impulse viewing, telco deals buy instant reach and built-in billing in price-sensitive markets where persuading users to sign up directly can be hard.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • One class in, and Hannah is thoroughly seduced both by Melanie’s flattery and by her therapyspeak approach to acting, with its talk of truth-telling and connecting to one’s body.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 June 2026
  • Young women being preyed upon and seduced by rapacious Hollywood producers, stars and studio heads is a tired cliché, but like all clichés, it is based on reality.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Seen from the other side of the deal, that means that bond issuers must pay higher yields, or rates, for investors to be enticed to buy.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 15 June 2026
  • Financial incentives offered by the conservation district, in conjunction with federal programs, have enticed farmers in the South Fork of the Republican River near Burlington to end irrigation on an additional 20,000 acres.
    Allen Best, Denver Post, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Businesses set up signs, posters and international flags to lure locals and tourists alike, while the Miracle Theater hosted a watch party for the match between France and Senegal.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Fallout The crisis has exposed divisions within González’s own party as her administration works to lure new investors to the island and remedy chronic power outages.
    Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • You may be tempted to make your way down to the beach at the bottom, but beware!
    Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 21 June 2026
  • The whirlwind three-hour tour took us into the heart of the city, first to Mısır Çarşısı, or the Egyptian Bazaar, filled with aromatic spices and tempting Turkish delight, then to the stunning Rüstem Pasha Mosque, which was built in 1561.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Iran played New Zealand to a 2-2 draw in Los Angeles hours after the hearing — its next game will be against Belgium on Sunday in Los Angeles before wrapping up group play against Egypt on June 26.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
  • Abdulelah Al-Amri scored on a rebound in the 41st minute for Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay's Maxi Araújo responded with an equalizer in the 80th as the teams played to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener on Monday.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inveigle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveigle. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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