seduction

noun

se·​duc·​tion si-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce seduction (audio)
Synonyms of seductionnext
1
: the act of seducing
especially : the enticement of a person to sexual intercourse
2
: something that seduces : temptation
3
: something that attracts or charms

Synonyms of seduction

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Examples of seduction in a Sentence

The book describes his seductions of young women. the swift seduction of the home buyers into a bigger house than they could afford
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.
The actor’s outfit was adapted from Ackermann’s Fall-Winter 2026 ready-to-wear collection, which ruminated on the language of desire and seduction, and the magnetism of opposites. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 In these photographs, the maternal body enters spaces designed around seduction, aspiration, and idealized femininity without renouncing any of them. — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026 The inevitable directorial dance of seduction to lure the reluctant actor to sign on to the project turns into an actual seduction, in ways that prove personally and artistically consequential for both women. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 31 July 2026 The running theme of Dennis’ possible sociopathy is one of the show’s deepest wells of comedy, and his conversation here with Mac about his plans for at-sea seduction dived down into the depths. — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for seduction

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Late Latin seduction-, seductio, from Latin, act of leading aside, from seducere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of seduction was in the 15th century

Rhymes for seduction

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Browse Nearby Words

seducingly
seduction
seductive
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Cite this Entry

“Seduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seduction. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on seduction

Nglish: Translation of seduction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about seduction

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