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
  • The goal of the aid pledges is to persuade middle-class families that a prestigious private university can be affordable.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Don’t allow yourself to be so easily persuaded — use your discernment!
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The play, which won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize this year, entices on the page despite seeming overstuffed and curiously decentralized.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Despite rising costs, a number of properties throughout the country are keeping prices affordable to entice thrill-seekers.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • The theory is that the deluge, which broke January daily rainfall records for Sydney, flushed sewage and other waste into the nearby coastal waters, attracting baitfish, which in turn lured sharks closer to shore.
    Sam Nichols, Scientific American, 8 July 2026
  • To lure the Panthers to Rock Hill, the city had agreed to give up its full share of fee revenue for that incentive deal.
    John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • But even if you’re tempted to drown your chicken in the sweet and savory cranberry barbecue sauce, try to hold a little back.
    Justin Brown, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
  • Opt for the Vionic Walk Max Sneakers that’ll tempt you to ditch your other kicks altogether.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • On the skin-care front, hyaluronic acid and glycerin help draw in and lock in moisture, while soothing tiger grass helps support the skin barrier and calm the look of irritation.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 10 July 2026
  • Loads of amenities and access to food and drink features that draw in the locals, as well as guests, make this hotel feel plugged in.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inveigle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveigle. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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