[go: up one dir, main page]

entice

Definition of enticenext

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

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 entice Kelce and Mahomes are the best of friends, and the thought of playing with his buddy and steakhouse co-owner might entice Kelce to return. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2026 New York Times Employers are using a variety of stealth tactics to entice workers to return to the office, including tying promotions to attendance. Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026 Far Niente 2023 Chardonnay has enticing aromas of cantaloupe melon, white peach, and citrus blossoms that transfer seamlessly to the palate with the addition of verbena, Bartlett pear, and lemon curd. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026 However, analysts and investors were disappointed by the launch, saying the models, which start at $36,990, aren’t affordable enough to entice a new group of consumers to consider going green. Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
Verb
  • Overbuy with the price still affordable At just under $80 an ounce currently, but with the potential for significant growth high right now, investors may be tempted to overbuy silver while the price is still affordable.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • This is where brands can tempt consumers with limited runs.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Heaps also indicated that she was lured to the Summit by majority owner Rob Cohen and coach Nick Cushing, who previously coached the Manchester City women and Major League Soccer's NYCFC.
    Romi Bean, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Their opening night gets interrupted when blood thirsty vampires are lured in by the musical talents of Sammie (Miles Caton), a young blues musician.
    Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In Arthur Penn’s 1975 neo-noir Night Moves, Griffith is Delly Grastner, a 16-year-old runaway with a little girl’s voice and a grown woman’s body—on full display in an underwater nude scene—intent on seducing Gene Hackman, 43 and paunchy.
    Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Dead husbands and wives returned to seduce former spouses.
    Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Based on that estimate, the board persuaded members to approve an $18,750 assessment per person.
    Chase Jordan January 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Elphaba tries to persuade them not to, and stay and fight for their home.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on entice

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!