Synonyms of decoy

decoy 1 of 2

noun

ˈdē-ˌkȯi 

as in bait

something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap

we set the decoy afloat in the marsh and from the blind waited for the ducks to arrive

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bait
• lure
• trap
• scent
• hook
• ambush
• troll
• snare
• net
• incentive
• attraction
• spinner
• appeal
• plug
• seduction
• pull
• draw
• stool pigeon
• entrapment
• enticement
• entanglement
• temptation
• call
• seducement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• repellent
• repellant

decoy

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈkȯi 

as in to lure

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

tacky souvenir shops to which first-time tourists had been decoyed into spending their hard-earned money

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb decoy differ from other similar words?

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

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

Where would entice be a reasonable alternative to decoy?

The meanings of entice and decoy largely overlap; however, entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When might inveigle be a better fit than decoy?

The words inveigle and decoy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When would lure be a good substitute for decoy?

In some situations, the words lure and decoy are roughly equivalent. However, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

When could seduce be used to replace decoy?

The words seduce and decoy can be used in similar contexts, but seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

When is tempt a more appropriate choice than decoy?

The synonyms tempt and decoy are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Examples of decoy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Was the Couch’s positioning a decoy for the real gaze? —Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 12 Sep. 2024

Roberts, however, said Rojas was trying to deke the runner at first base to prevent him from going to second, putting a glove up as nothing more than a decoy believing Muncy was positioned to get the ball behind him. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024

Verb

Hunters know teal as birds that are often easy to decoy, but speedy and difficult to shoot. —Phil Bourjaily, Field & Stream, 27 Dec. 2023

Those wishing to target buffleheads, or for that matter, canvasbacks or goldeneyes, should set a handful of drake bufflehead decoys off to one side of the spread. —M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 30 Nov. 2023