LURE Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

lure 1 of 2

verb

Definition of lure

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lure

2 of 2

noun

ˈlu̇r

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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

repellent

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

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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

Will you be lured by the classic Adirondack summer experience? — Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 McDonald’s has jostled its menu and has sought to lure some of those customers to stores through value meals and other specials. — Michelle Chapman, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Noun

Early also has a larger target in view, the fickleness of internet celebrity, a lure that often comes with self-harm. — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 Since her tragic death at age 36 in 1997, the almost mythical lure of her jewels has only grown. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lure

Verb

Donald has been tempted to return ever since the Rams made the blockbuster trade for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

— Nate Atkins, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Others tried to widen their gaze to make sure their eyes would be open as the camera clicked, though the afternoon sun was tempting us to squint.

— Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026

Definition of tempt

Noun

The temptation to disparage the other parent, especially in front of the children, can damage your own custody standing — and in extreme cases, be characterized as parental alienation.

— Melissa Needle, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026
The temptation might be there to catch up with your friends, but try to save it for before and after the discussion.

— Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of temptation

Noun

These kinds of meaty feature-length turns from Oscar winners used to be prime bait for Emmy voters, but now Field’s nom is more exception than rule.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Mandylor is equally hilarious as a dumb thug who is so deserving of becoming shark bait.

— Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 July 2026

Definition of bait

Noun

The inevitable directorial dance of seduction to lure the reluctant actor to sign on to the project turns into an actual seduction, in ways that prove personally and artistically consequential for both women.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
The running theme of Dennis’ possible sociopathy is one of the show’s deepest wells of comedy, and his conversation here with Mac about his plans for at-sea seduction dived down into the depths.

— Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026

Definition of seduction

Noun

Their movements are tracked, conversations are restricted, decisions are tightly controlled, and accomplishments are rewarded with superficial incentives.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Some lawmakers are calling for the incentive to be scaled back or eliminated altogether.

— S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

The famed highway—which turns 100 this year—passes through bustling cities, natural landmarks, and quirky roadside attractions, so there’s plenty of things to see (and do) along the way.

— Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
As a Detroit native, the topic of retail attraction for the city aligns with my research.

— Stephanie Leiser, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of attraction

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lurching

lure

lured

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“Lure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lure. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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