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
  • Notably, 26% of respondents said they could still be persuaded to vote for either candidate, leaving the race wide open.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Anti-mafia prosecutor Alessandra Cerreti, who has persuaded dozens of women to testify against crime families across all Italy’s crime syndicates, admits the risks are high.
    — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Adva Lavie, an OnlyFans model, already is facing criminal charges in Los Angeles County for allegedly seducing and stealing from rich men.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Many have taken up such invitations, seduced by the island’s stress-free, go-slow rhythm.
    — Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Hopefully this is going to entice us in Sweden to watch more films from our neighboring countries.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Turkey’s growing hair transplant and restoration industry in particular entices people with easy-to-digest all-inclusive packages advertised on their websites, online placements, and social media.
    — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • This line doesn’t lure families as there are no special onboard venues or activities for children.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Unsuspecting shoppers inevitably will be lured by the delicious smells — and perhaps find their new favorite food court vendor.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • You may be tempted to keep performing competence because people have grown used to relying on you.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
  • But not all the snacks are created equal, and I won’t be tempted by Honey Mustard Popcorn ever again.
    — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw in moisture, while squalane and panthenol help keep delicate undereyes supple while peptides smooth the look of fine lines.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson, Arizona The Pima Air & Space Museum opened in 1976 and continues to draw in visitors who are curious about all things aviation.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inveigle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveigle. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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