Synonym Chooser

How does the verb tempt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of tempt are decoy, entice, inveigle, lure, and seduce. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," 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

When would decoy be a good substitute for tempt?

The words decoy and tempt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When is it sensible to use entice instead of tempt?

While the synonyms entice and tempt are close in meaning, entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When is inveigle a more appropriate choice than tempt?

The words inveigle and tempt can be used in similar contexts, but inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When could lure be used to replace tempt?

Although the words lure and tempt have much in common, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

When can seduce be used instead of tempt?

The synonyms seduce and tempt are sometimes interchangeable, but seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

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 tempt Now, as if to tempt us, the Italian house has added new pieces to its fine-jewelry offerings: the Nudo Minis and Toi et Moi ranges. Air Mail, 10 May 2025 With communities across Northern California expected to see rising temperatures, you may be tempted to take a dip in a local river, lake or stream. Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025 The pursuit of a grand economic deal may tempt him once again. Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 9 May 2025 More on Wild Turkeys Other Animals While you may be tempted to blame other animals such as opossums or snakes, or even coyotes for making holes or burrows in your yard, these creatures are more likely to use existing animal holes for their dens. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempt
Verb
  • Online financial scams have only become more organized in the years since, with entire compounds cropping up overseas devoted to luring people in and convincing them to pay up, often sacrificing their life savings in the process, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2025
  • It is revealed that his dad is actually alive, and Brandon discovers he is being used as bait, luring him into a dangerous trap.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The trade: Calendar spread One way to make a bullish bet while risking somewhat less capital than buying the stock is with a calendar spread.
    , CNBC, 19 May 2025
  • The emotional resonance may indeed feel genuine, but as researchers caution, without clinical supervision or ethical oversight, users risk confusing simulated empathy with genuine treatment and mental attunement.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The thriller tells the story of a dental hygienist who is seduced by a mysterious mermaid into the dark and wet underworld of Florida’s exotic animal trade.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 9 May 2025
  • The film centers on a dental hygienist seduced by a mysterious mermaid into the dark and wet underworld of Florida’s exotic animal trade.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Will the new level of EV functionality even entice GM to end the ban of CarPlay in electrics?
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Google and eBay are ramping up technology to help brands and sellers entice consumers.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was already on the phone, trying to persuade Jones to sign with the Chargers, but Tart’s phone calls served to seal the deal for Jones, who also had played with current Chargers Bud Dupree, an outside linebacker, and Elijah Molden, a safety, while with the Titans.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 13 May 2025
  • For Syria’s new government, this will be their opportunity to persuade the new administration to do business with a country coming out of a devastating 13-year civil war and mend ties with a leader who was once aligned with the Islamic State and al Qaeda.
    Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Loading your audio article OAKLAND — A local resident was betrayed by his own ankle monitor, leading to his recent arrest and a new gun case, court records show.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 10 May 2025
  • The film depicts how, despite all efforts to stay in the shadows, Moulin is ultimately betrayed and tortured at the hands of the ambitious head of the Gestapo in Lyon, Klaus Barbie (Eidinger).
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempt. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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