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

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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

Desperate to have a child, a couple travels to a fertility rite deep in the Estonian forest – only to realize they’ve been lured there to be sacrificed. — John Hopewell, Variety, 14 July 2026 The sales tax exemption on qualifying data centers allowed facilities to avoid paying for electricity costs, which was used to lure further facilities to the state. — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026

Noun

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 Is the artificiality and structural restriction of the majority of the season a lure for a show on the verge of going thoroughly bonkers in its finale? — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lure

Verb

But even if you’re tempted to drown your chicken in the sweet and savory cranberry barbecue sauce, try to hold a little back.

— Justin Brown, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
Opt for the Vionic Walk Max Sneakers that’ll tempt you to ditch your other kicks altogether.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 10 July 2026

Definition of tempt

Noun

They are separated — women in one location with single men, and men and single women in another —and tasked with testing their loyalty to each other despite temptation.

— Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026
When stocking a pond, resist the temptation to create a highly diverse fish community.

— Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 9 July 2026

Definition of temptation

Noun

Hurlbut agreed that the seduction of AI is its ease and accessibility.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 3 July 2026
The rhythm of the writing shows the staccato nature of those relationships, with their stops and starts, and how sometimes signs of seduction cannot be misinterpreted or not picked up at all.

— Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 26 June 2026

Definition of seduction

Verb

With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike.

— Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 July 2026

Definition of seduce

Noun

While the threshold sparked debate, the decree offers financial incentives for parties to merge by discounting registration fees for coalitions and alliances.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
Administered by Proimágenes Colombia, Colombia’s CINA incentive (Audiovisual Investment Certificate) grants a transferable tax credit equal to 35% of eligible spending on audiovisual services in Colombia.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 10 July 2026

Definition of incentive

Verb

Eventually, the attacker would entice the target to install malware disguised as security software.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
The San Francisco Chronicle first confirmed Saronic’s plans, which come after Texas officials approved a $211 million abatement package to entice the company to locate the shipyard in South Texas.

— Lia Russell July 16, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

Definition of entice

Noun

This year’s version was beefed up with a few extra attractions to go along with some of the staples which again included the food tent and beer garden, the golf challenge held at Depot Pond and a pet show.

— David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
Best Hotels & Resorts The Junto The Junto, a 198-room independent lifestyle hotel, sits along the Scioto River in the Peninsula, directly across from COSI (the Center of Science and Industry) and within walking distance of downtown attractions.

— Rafael Pena, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 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 17 Jul. 2026.

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