Synonym Chooser

How does the verb tempt differ from other similar words?

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

When would decoy be a good substitute for tempt?

The words decoy and tempt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When is it sensible to use entice instead of tempt?

While the synonyms entice and tempt are close in meaning, entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When is inveigle a more appropriate choice than tempt?

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

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When could lure be used to replace tempt?

Although the words lure and tempt 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 can seduce be used instead of tempt?

The synonyms seduce and tempt are sometimes interchangeable, but seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

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 tempt Baker said the plan is to nearly double the mix of updated and new styles to tempt consumers to shop Canada Goose more often. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 21 May 2025 If you’re tempted to try it yourself, just remember to be mindful and avoid filming other passengers or cabin crew. Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025 Users might be tempted to delay applying the update until there’s clarity from Microsoft, but often these reports are only seen afterward. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 One might be tempted to say that this dismissal is merely another episode in the grotesque sitcom that is Trumpian politics. Jack Hill, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempt
Verb
  • The company recently ended its incentive program, known as customer commitment packages, to lure and maintain customers on the heels of the incident.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 4 June 2025
  • The result is that homes are sitting idle on the market, forcing sellers to offer price cuts to lure in buyers.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • During this time, property owners were deprived of the use of their property and risked potential damages or depreciation in property value.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
  • Ludovic Marin/Getty Images French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned the US and Indo-Pacific nations Friday against risking a dangerous double standard by focusing on China while potentially abandoning Ukraine.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Going even further, its materiality, terra-cotta, and its iconography, the corazón, seduce us to discover an even more seductive identity, a cultural and historical foundation, mexicanidad.
    Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 June 2025
  • But prosecutors warned observers not to be seduced by soft appearances.
    Thomas Adamson, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The Navy also has spent considerably more than the others to entice sailors to reenlist, doling out retention bonuses to roughly 70,000 service members for each of the past three years.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
  • Duffy recently announced a sweeping program to upgrade the agency's technology infrastructure, as well as hiring incentives to entice more would-be air traffic controllers.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Jonathan Ernst | Reuters European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen managed to persuade the president to give talks more time but, as things stand, the EU has until July 9 to reach a deal with Washington.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 6 June 2025
  • Be on alert for phishing scams – Fraudsters regularly send emails that appear to be from a reputable source in order to persuade individuals to provide valuable personal information, such as access codes, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, account numbers, etc.
    Rick Unser, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • From the nation’s dissolution by imperial powers in the 18th century to its violent conquest by Germany in World War II to its ruthless control by the Soviets, Poland has been betrayed repeatedly by those around it.
    Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 3 June 2025
  • But then the Unfairly Ever After came through with a delicious twist — the winning villain betrays the Magic Mirror, as villains do.
    Robert Niles, Oc Register, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempt. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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