Synonyms of lure

lure 1 of 2

verb

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage

the hunter lured the lion into the open with the antelope carcass

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tempt
• seduce
• entice
• persuade
• bait
• betray
• allure
• decoy
• beguile
• lead on
• trap
• solicit
• inveigle
• ensnare
• fascinate
• entrap
• enchant
• draw in
• rope (in)
• snow
• snare
• catch
• enmesh
• mesh
• charm
• captivate
• magnetize
• tangle
• bewitch
• wile
• immesh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warn
• alert
• ward (off)
• caution
• drive (away or off)
• turn away
• forewarn
• repulse

lure

2 of 2

noun

ˈlu̇r 

1

as in temptation

something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain

the promise of easy money is always the lure for some people to play the lottery

good schools are a lure for prospective home buyers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• temptation
• incentive
• bait
• attraction
• enticement
• motivation
• come-on
• impetus
• boost
• appeal
• stimulus
• turn-on
• allurement
• encouragement
• seduction
• inducement
• siren song
• goad
• impulse
• trap
• call
• spur
• snare
• decoy
• persuasion
• seducement
• entrapment
• mousetrap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warning
• notice
• alert
• caution
• alarm
• forewarning
• alarum

2

as in bait

something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap

the fish simply didn't seem to like the lure I was using, so I didn't catch a thing

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bait
• decoy
• trap
• hook
• scent
• snare
• net
• attraction
• troll
• incentive
• ambush
• appeal
• enticement
• temptation
• seduction
• pull
• draw
• plug
• spinner
• stool pigeon
• entanglement
• entrapment
• call
• seducement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• repellent
• repellant

3

as in seduction

the act or pressure of giving in to a desire especially when ill-advised

the lure of the video game was distracting me from my studies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• temptation
• seduction
• appeal
• attraction
• enticement
• attractiveness
• allurement
• charm
• allure
• invitation
• power
• glamour
• bait
• inducement
• influence
• glamor
• beckoning
• sway
• enchantment
• siren song
• persuasion

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb lure differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lure are decoy, entice, inveigle, seduce, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

When might decoy be a better fit than lure?

In some situations, the words decoy and lure are roughly equivalent. However, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When is entice a more appropriate choice than lure?

The synonyms entice and lure are sometimes interchangeable, but entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When is it sensible to use inveigle instead of lure?

While in some cases nearly identical to lure, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

Where would seduce be a reasonable alternative to lure?

Although the words seduce and lure have much in common, seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

When would tempt be a good substitute for lure?

The words tempt and lure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Recent Examples of lure

Verb

Saudi Arabia’s ambition of pushing the Tadawul firmly into the list of the world’s top 10 exchanges — part of its effort to deepen its capital markets, lure more foreign investors, and ultimately help diversify its economy — is bold. —Wael Mahdi, semafor.com, 13 Aug. 2025

In one recent case, robotic bunnies in Florida were even used as bait to lure invasive pythons. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2025

Noun

But maybe the lure of some of the best courses in the world, along with a South African summer, could see a seasonal change in his mood toward the country later this year. —Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 13 July 2025

One lure is job growth, particularly in manufacturing, technology and professional services. —Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025