entice

verb

in-ˈtīs How to pronounce entice (audio)
Definition of enticenext
as in to tempt
to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage every commercial seemed to be for some tempting snack specifically designed to entice me from my diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Loading your audio article For the first time in almost seven years, the Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos is holding an open house to entice new members and show off the club’s projects. —Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2025 For instance, a cafe can offer a 10% discount to people walking nearby in the morning to entice them to stop in for a fresh cup of coffee. —Dr. Bin Tang, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Numerous observers believe the Bay Area could begin to see an economic lift from the rush into artificial intelligence, a fledgling field that has enticed investors and fueled startup activity. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025 And there are plenty of people out there to entice, given that the majority of Americans these days aren’t regular moviegoers. —William Earl, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entice
  1. tempt
  2. lure
  3. seduce
  4. persuade
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
  • 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
  • Amenities provided by Class A offices are viewed as a key tool needed to lure employees back to the office more days of the week.
    — Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of lure
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
  • Part of persuading consumers to spend on sustainable products comes from carefully planned and executed advertising and marketing campaigns.
    — Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2025
  • But the taxpayer still persuaded the Tax Court.
    — Robert W. Wood, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of persuade

Browse Nearby Words

enthusing
entice
enticed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entice. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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