LEAD ON Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

lead on

verb

Definition of lead on

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage a con man whose dupes are usually led on by their own greed and eagerness to turn an easy buck

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for lead on

Verb

The next time you are tempted to just jump out of your car and start pumping, keep these considerations in mind.

— Molly Burford, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
However, when one of the three women feels guilty about snubbing their lifelong pal, Mel shows up and suddenly the weekend turns to complete chaos, tempting the trio to break free from the madness that has hobbled their friend group for years.

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of tempt

Verb

At the crossroads of civilizations, this island nation has long lured design buffs with its walled villages, fairy-tale architecture, and mix of Arab and European influences.

— Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026
Attempts to lure Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha have proven fruitless, with neither appearing likely to advance at this stage.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of lure

Verb

In luxury hospitality, a beautiful site can seduce almost anyone.

— Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Blowing Oleksa’s cover would mean publicly admitting that there are five senators on her asset list — one of whom was seduced into posing for some, uh, compromising photographs.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of seduce

Verb

The king’s openness in talking about his diagnosis has been credited with persuading more men to be tested for prostate cancer and other forms of the disease.

— Danica Kirka, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Save to wishlist Melin Tregwynt Welsh Blanket Sanneh, who Miron Ahlers persuaded to join The Trail Club, sees the house as the next phase of the club.

— Sara Ruffin Costello, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Offering a 35% incentive aimed at stiffening up jobs here and enticing post-production to relocate to the Golden State, AB 2319 is racing toward a vote in the state Senate by next week once the bill is in final shape.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Marvel Studios began moving its production operations to Georgia, enticed by the state’s uncapped tax credits that could be used for actors’ salaries.

— Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of entice

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“Lead on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lead%20on. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lead on

verb

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