lure 1 of 2

Definition of lurenext

lure

2 of 2

noun

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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 lure
Verb
The company has been aggressively offering deposit matches to lure clients from Fidelity and Schwab, and assets under management have grown with its TradePMR acquisition. Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025 This kept the remote Brazilian archipelago wild and rugged, its volcanic cliffs and crystalline waters luring mostly domestic travelers in search of Brazil’s most pristine beaches. Carla Vianna, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
Have a walking-style top-water lure ready for bass schooling on the surface chasing shad. Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025 This, too, meshes with the politics of the time, given the lure that Canada had for those fleeing the draft, and the dangers faced by refuseniks who stayed behind. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lure
Verb
  • Overbuy with the price still affordable At just under $80 an ounce currently, but with the potential for significant growth high right now, investors may be tempted to overbuy silver while the price is still affordable.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • This is where brands can tempt consumers with limited runs.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Gang members both inside and outside prisons are also always on the lookout for staffers who are vulnerable to temptation or blackmail.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Kids are vulnerable to this temptation too.
    Andee Tagle, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The details of the Mag Bay 43 were noteworthy, including the flawless stainless steel, 75-gallon bait tank (which looked like an aquarium on the stern) and two tiers of three seats with mahogany frames near the helm.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
  • However, at least one of her congressional peers isn't taking the bait.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Due to a positive audience response to the pairing, the writers retconned the scene as a seduction, rather than rape.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025
  • For years, Laura's rape was treated as a sort of seduction — until 1998 when Luke and Laura's son Lucky (Jonathan Jackson) finds out the dark history behind his parents' romance.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Released in 1994, Sátántangó (based on László Krasznahorka’s novel) chronicled an impoverished Hungarian village that becomes seduced by a would-be prophet who has seemingly come back from the dead.
    Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
  • This year, we were seduced by silver trays and a new take on the TV-dinner table.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The official boundaries of the new stadium incentive district have not yet been finalized.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The grocer will also receive a $50,000 retailer incentive bonus.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Similar to fellow Arsenal summer signing Eberechi Eze — another keen chess player — the assumption would be that the skills taken from the board game have helped Zubimendi be a step ahead in enticing and then bypassing opposition players.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The algorithm, the Reddit user claimed, would save the higher-paying orders for casual drivers to entice them to use the app.
    Lauren Wilson, NBC news, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Just over eight minutes were remaining on the clock when the buzz kicked up inside Spectrum Center again, all because the usual main attraction was sauntering to the scorer’s table.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Japan draws thirtysomethings with its diverse attractions, from culinary delights to swift transportation, catering to travelers' varied interests.
    Jill Krasny, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lure. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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