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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead on

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

Definition of tempt

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

Definition of lure

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

Definition of seduce

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

Definition of persuade

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

Definition of entice

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.

Cite this Entry

Style

“Lead on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead%20on. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of lead on

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

tactile

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 25

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes