decoy 1 of 2

noun

ˈdē-ˌkȯi How to pronounce decoy (audio)
Definition of decoynext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

decoy

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈkȯi How to pronounce decoy (audio)
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 decoy
Noun
Several citizens have formed groups to carry out their own unofficial sting operations, which often involve a member of the group posing as a decoy minor. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025 Their team is filled with attacking players who are quick to the ball, who can interchange positions, make decoy runs on his behalf and, in their most eye-catching moments, accelerate past opponents. —Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
Just before Trump spoke with reporters, Russia launched 67 missiles and 194 actual and decoy drones targeting Ukraine—the primary goal: Ukraine’s natural gas infrastructure. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Russia fired 67 missiles from air, land and sea, and launched 194 strike and decoy drones, Ukraine's air force said. —arkansasonline.com, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decoy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decoy
  1. bait
  2. lure
  3. tempt
  4. seduce
  5. entice
  6. persuade
Noun
  • At about that time, Esslinger’s monster catch took the bait, and the fight was on.
    — Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Nathan also had reportedly left a bucket of fishing bait in his car.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of bait
Verb
  • There’s no hook to lure viewers back for a potential Season 2, no revelation to gasp at, no big laugh to be had.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Westchester County’s verdant enclaves have long lured the elite.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of lure
Verb
  • Category extension: Beyond time pieces, time objects Being resilient also means finding new ways to be relevant for consumers who might have an abundant watch collection and might be much more difficult to tempt with new ones.
    — Stéphane JG Girod, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Again, Lewandowski is coming short and tempting the right-sided centre-back higher up the pitch.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of tempt
Verb
  • The musical’s first act opens with the Moulin Rouge on the verge of closing, unless Satine can seduce a wealthy duke into becoming its patron — but for the moment, these financial woes are hidden behind the club’s glamorous veneer.
    — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Sherri Parlay, a good woman with a high libido, is seduced into murder by the beguiling heir to a dry-cleaning fortune.
    — Sara Gran, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of seduce
Verb
  • One reason is that in order to entice people to buy its stock, a company needs to offer potential shareholders something in return.
    — Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Those touches are some of the reasons that entice fans to buy from brands.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of entice
Verb
  • Another factor that might hamper Chelsea’s attempts to persuade Rak-Sakyi to stay is what has happened to his brother, Jesurun.
    — Simon Johnson, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The administration is expected to return to the Supreme Court quickly in an effort to persuade the justices to lift their temporary order.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of persuade

Browse Nearby Words

decoupling
decoy
decoyed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decoy. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on decoy

Nglish: Translation of decoy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about decoy

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