LEAD ON Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

lead on

verb

Definition of lead on

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage a con man whose dupes are usually led on by their own greed and eagerness to turn an easy buck

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead on

Verb

If the thermostat is working properly but the air conditioner is struggling, don’t be tempted to turn down the temperature even more.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026
Fast capital can create a false sense of security, tempting companies to take on massive contracts before their core production processes or management structures have matured enough to handle that scale.

— Chris Hale, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of tempt

Verb

At the crossroads of civilizations, this island nation has long lured design buffs with its walled villages, fairy-tale architecture, and mix of Arab and European influences.

— Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026
Attempts to lure Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha have proven fruitless, with neither appearing likely to advance at this stage.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of lure

Verb

The king’s openness in talking about his diagnosis has been credited with persuading more men to be tested for prostate cancer and other forms of the disease.

— Danica Kirka, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Save to wishlist Melin Tregwynt Welsh Blanket Sanneh, who Miron Ahlers persuaded to join The Trail Club, sees the house as the next phase of the club.

— Sara Ruffin Costello, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Offering a 35% incentive aimed at stiffening up jobs here and enticing post-production to relocate to the Golden State, AB 2319 is racing toward a vote in the state Senate by next week once the bill is in final shape.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Marvel Studios began moving its production operations to Georgia, enticed by the state’s uncapped tax credits that could be used for actors’ salaries.

— Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of entice

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“Lead on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead%20on. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lead on

verb

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