entice

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb entice differ from other similar words?

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

advertising designed to entice new customers

When is it sensible to use decoy instead of entice?

While the synonyms decoy and entice are close in meaning, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

Where would inveigle be a reasonable alternative to entice?

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

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

In what contexts can lure take the place of entice?

Although the words lure and entice 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 could seduce be used to replace entice?

The meanings of seduce and entice largely overlap; however, seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

When would tempt be a good substitute for entice?

In some situations, the words tempt and entice are roughly equivalent. However, 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 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 entice My room was so spacious and accommodating that I was often enticed to stay indoors. Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2024 Anything from menu features, cocktail inspiration, point-of-sale materials, social media campaigns, gorilla marketing and influencer partnerships will boost your growth and entice on- or off-premise locations to give you a shot. 6. Patrick Shorb, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2024 This approach also allows businesses to adopt next-generation capabilities without overwhelming their existing infrastructure or processes as an organization, enticing your organization to continue with transformation along the way. Josh Ashby, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 At jewelry houses, timepieces offered male clients a reason to treat themselves while buying baubles for their significant others, or they were seen as a mass-marketing tool, a means of enticing clients who might not be able to afford a million-dollar high-jewelry necklace or five-figure handbag. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for entice 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • During the holiday season, we are presented with a myriad of tempting foods—much of which is unhealthy and can deplete our energy.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Heidi Klum as the Garden of Eden in 2006 Among Klum's more inspired Halloween costume ideas, the model dressed as the apple and serpent that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
    Madeline Boardman, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Online security group McAfee identified a surge in counterfeit sites and phishing scams that use the names of popular luxury brands and tech products to lure consumers into purchasing products for what the consumer believes are unbelievably low prices.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
  • Some grocers are giving their staff time off to spend with family—and some retailers will remain open, hoping to lure in early birds and people who spill gravy on the tablecloth.
    BYChris Morris, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • After Shaw takes a leap of faith and seduces Rule, the two attempt to navigate a romantic relationship, with significant drama along the way.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
  • While the literary legacy of Parthenope had the character drowning herself after her songs failed to seduce Odysseus, Sorrentino’s version centers on a wealthy woman who slowly drives her family insane by her beauty.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Few modern artists do so much to persuade us that creative endeavor is a struggle—an anxious wrestling with the stubborn materials to hand, and a determination to plow on.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Will that be enough to persuade these justices to strike down Tennessee’s law?
    Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near entice

Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on entice

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