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
  • Somehow the estate managed to persuade HBO to come to an amicable settlement.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In the end, county officials were persuaded to act.
    Anna Clark, ProPublica, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Every summer, stylish crowds congregate along France’s southeastern shores, seduced by the glamorous promise of the French Riviera, spending their days sipping overpriced cocktails at the high-end resorts that line its sandy beaches as if plucked straight from a Slim Aarons photo.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026
  • To speak in verse is to tease, to cajole, to seduce, all actions that suggest an excess of desire.
    New York Times, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But the choices will be enticing.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
  • In addition to the immediate employment boost for tradespeople—including construction workers, electricians, and plumbers—local governments have been enticed by the impressive tax revenues on offer.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Last week, the prosecution showed the jurors chilling video and audio evidence that included Athena’s last moments after Horner lured her inside the FedEx van.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Red-hot demand for server products has lured memory suppliers into concentrating on the high-speed processors for those machines.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The proof is at the farmers market, where fresh asparagus, peas, rhubarb and other seasonal vegetables tempt us with their delicious potential in the kitchen.
    Victoria Caruso, Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Gentry’s lean frame limits his play strength, and the role fit will vary wildly depending on the scheme, but going to tempt creative coaching staffs.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The formula also features sodium hyaluronate to draw in moisture and keep skin looking plump, along with botanical extracts like lotus, gardenia, and white waterlily to help soothe and boost radiance.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 21 Apr. 2026
  • With a golf legacy dating to 1934, the Masters Tournament now ranks as the biggest draw in private aviation.
    Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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