Synonyms of tempt

tempt

verb

ˈtem(p)t 

1

as in to lure

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

that chocolate dessert sure tempts me, but I should stick with my diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to risk

to take a chance on

refusing to lay in enough food for the long winter tempts the dangers of starvation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• risk
• confront
• venture
• chance
• hazard
• adventure
• dare
• gamble (on)
• endanger
• run the risk of
• imperil
• jeopardize
• face
• brave
• breast
• challenge
• compromise
• defy
• brazen
• expose
• subject
• menace
• outbrave
• beard
• wager
• bet (on)

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

Recent Examples of tempt

The conviction and sentencing of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan should give pause to those in positions of trust who are tempted to misuse those positions for personal gain. —Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025

Initially, Chan was tempted by the two-movie approach, but his team dissuaded him. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 June 2025

What still isn’t known Close friends or family members are often tempted to take away the financial autonomy of an older adult who is mismanaging their finances. —Ian McDonough, The Conversation, 12 June 2025

Win your division, and the odds of winning the World Series improve. I’m tempted to clam up right there because earning a wild-card berth can also lead to winning a World Series — see Bruce Bochy with the 2012 Giants and 2023 Rangers. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2025