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
  • But those advances shouldn’t persuade us that anatomy has finished teaching us.
    — Subramaniam C. Krishnan, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Tony Forte, president of USAngling, the sanctioning body, said the tournament will be a showcase to persuade the International Olympic Committee to include bass fishing at the Summer Olympics.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Artificial plays like a modern-day parable in which the trickster god seduces the innocent.
    — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Diaz centers music as the emotional vehicle that provides a philosophical structure for the character tropes and in turn psychologically seduces the audience to internalize certain ideas of social dynamics.
    — Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Anyone with a console can watch it, which enticed the comedian.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Every book wants to be the one that provides your betting options, and the welcome offer is the way to entice you to use their app.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Both airlines, which merged in 2024 but operate as distinct brands, are also working on opening airport lounges to lure customers willing to shell out for luxury travel.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Northern team fans are lamenting the advantages these states hold for climate and taxes that have lured top players in recent years.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Yet, C-suites are increasingly tempted (or worse, financially compelled) to govern purely by digital indicators.
    — David Farbman, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Others, including Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who recently launched a crackdown on Venezuelan migrants in his country, will be tempted to stoke xenophobia to deflect blame for policy shortcomings.
    — DAN RESTREPO, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Kalshi said the feature is aimed at attracting large institutional investors, who the company is also trying to draw in.
    — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
  • In a move intended to draw in more voters, the measure would also place a ban on gender-affirming care for minors in the state Constitution.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inveigle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveigle. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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