SEDUCE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'seduce' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of seduce are decoy , entice , inveigle , lure , and tempt . While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises. // seduced by assurances of assistance

Q: In what contexts can 'decoy' take the place of 'seduce'?

While in some cases nearly identical to seduce , decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice. // attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

Q: When would 'entice' be a good substitute for 'seduce'?

The synonyms entice and seduce are sometimes interchangeable, but entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means. // advertising designed to entice new customers

Q: When could 'inveigle' be used to replace 'seduce'?

While the synonyms inveigle and seduce are close in meaning, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering. // fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lure' instead of 'seduce'?

The words lure and seduce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving. // lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

Q: Where would 'tempt' be a reasonable alternative to 'seduce'?

In some situations, the words tempt and seduce are roughly equivalent. However, 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

verb

si-ˈdüs

Definition of seduce

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage I wasn't going to buy the car, but was seduced by the low-interest payment plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb seduce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of seduce are decoy, entice, inveigle, lure, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

In what contexts can decoy take the place of seduce?

While in some cases nearly identical to seduce, decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

When would entice be a good substitute for seduce?

The synonyms entice and seduce are sometimes interchangeable, but entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When could inveigle be used to replace seduce?

While the synonyms inveigle and seduce are close in meaning, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When is it sensible to use lure instead of seduce?

The words lure and seduce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

Where would tempt be a reasonable alternative to seduce?

In some situations, the words tempt and seduce are roughly equivalent. However, 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

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 seduce With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike. — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026 That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 2 July 2026 The writer thinks that the person seducing the main character is just some flotsam, hardly worth a second look. — Literary Hub, 26 June 2026 Blyth was nominated in the supporting role as Mildred's spoiled daughter, Veda, who seduces her mother's second husband (Zachary Scott), then riddles him with bullets in a jealous rage. — ABC News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for seduce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seduce

Verb

The crispy beef tacos are a perennial craving, but other unorthodox tacos tempt, too.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
The bottom line Savers with $40,000 in their bank account may be tempted to invest in stocks, bonds or real estate right now.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of tempt

Verb

Dozens of new laws take effect in Colorado on Wednesday as part of state lawmakers’ efforts to increase safety of ride-hailing apps, improve affordable housing development and curb Coloradans from leaving out trash that could lure bears.

— Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2026
According to court records, Conahan, an unemployed nurse, lured Montgomery into the woods in northern Charlotte County to take nude bondage photos.

— CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of lure

Verb

Topline Consumer prices rose as expected in July, according to Federal data published Wednesday, as analysts projected an in-line inflation report would likely persuade the Federal Reserve not to raise interest rates next month.

— Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Police called in crisis negotiators to persuade the man to surrender as firefighters extinguished the fire.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

The houses are capturing spending from wealthy collectors, winning over some former primary-market customers, and using luxury to entice entirely new buyers over to the auction ecosystem.

— George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Fall fashion tends to kickstart our lust for the new season as brands start to launch enticing pre-fall collections.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of entice

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seditious

seduce

seduced

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“Seduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seduce. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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