entice

verb

en·​tice in-ˈtīs How to pronounce entice (audio)
en-
enticed; enticing
Synonyms of entice

transitive verb

: to attract artfully or adroitly or by arousing hope or desire : tempt
enticement
in-ˈtī-smənt How to pronounce entice (audio)
en-
noun

Synonyms of entice

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lure, entice, inveigle, decoy, tempt, seduce mean to lead astray from one's true course.

lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

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

seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

Examples of entice in a Sentence

every commercial seemed to be for some tempting snack specifically designed to entice me from my diet
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Prosecutors said Huiracocha and Murillo recruited others to participate in three separate crashes, enticing them with promises of thousands in cash. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 The bet is that the interesting content will entice fans around the world and grow the series’ audience as the debut of its second season draws near. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 When Idrissa Gueye’s pass to Vitalii Mykolenko entices Curtis Jones to press the left-back, Dewsbury-Hall and McNeil spot the space behind Ibrahima Konate and attack it. — Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The paparazzi, fans, money and endless opportunities entice me. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entice

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enticer, from Vulgar Latin *intitiare, from Latin in- + titio firebrand

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of entice was in the 14th century

Rhymes for entice

See All Rhymes for entice

Browse Nearby Words

enthymeme
entice
enticement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entice. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

entice

verb
en·​tice in-ˈtīs How to pronounce entice (audio)
enticed; enticing
: to attract by arousing hope or desire : tempt
enticement
-mənt How to pronounce entice (audio)
noun
enticingly
-iŋ-lē How to pronounce entice (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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