TEMPT Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

tempt

verb

ˈtem(p)t

Definition of tempt

as in to lure

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage that chocolate dessert sure tempts me, but I should stick with my diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to risk

to take a chance on refusing to lay in enough food for the long winter tempts the dangers of starvation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Otherwise you'd be tempted to torch the house for the insurance money. — Vito Emanuel, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026 Otherwise, you may be tempted to use the money for purposes other than advancing your financial goals. — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 Barrel pants are an intimidating trend to get in on, but I’ve been tempted for months all the time. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026 You could be tempted to completely change your wardrobe, routines and future goals simply because something feels ambiguous or vaguely off. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tempt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tempt

Verb

The price of these franchises demands operating with that paradigm and thus lures those who see growth like hammers see nails.

— Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Neighbors say they're left shaken after an elderly couple was lured out of their home by thieves, who ransacked their house and stole from them.

— Jermont Terry, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of lure

Verb

This exceeds the city manager’s authority to move temporary shelter projects forward without council approval, risking a vote that could stop the project altogether.

— Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Allen Berezovsky / Getty Images If not, the NBA risks losing an incredible feature in its repertoire.

— Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of risk

Verb

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

Definition of entice

Verb

Reacher and Green run into a hotel and persuade the staff to lock the doors, claiming there’s an active shooter outside.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
In March, one of DraftKings’ cofounders, Matthew Kalish, stepped down as president—but not before persuading the board to approve a series of potentially lucrative deals to benefit his new marketing company.

— Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Speaking after Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday, manager Xabi Alonso betrayed some weariness at the lack of closure.

— Liam Twomey, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
OpenAI battled its co-founder Elon Musk in a lawsuit accusing the company and Altman of betraying its nonprofit mission.

— Alex Heath, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of betray

Browse Nearby Words

temps

tempt

temptable

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“Tempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tempt. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tempt

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