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

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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 And that, in turn, is shaping the response of more mainstream governments, which for the last decade have been fending off those challenges and trying to appeal to voters tempted by populist alternatives. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026 Donald has been tempted to return ever since the Rams made the blockbuster trade for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Others tried to widen their gaze to make sure their eyes would be open as the camera clicked, though the afternoon sun was tempting us to squint. — Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 University of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin You’ll be tempted to paddle one of the lakes in Madison as well as visit the city’s stellar Dane County Farmers’ Market. — Samantha Lande, Midwest Living, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tempt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

Still, with more than 40,000 industry jobs lost in the past few years, soundstages and vendor storefronts sitting empty, and lucrative overseas incentives seducing even more production away, things are bleak in town right now.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
Sal knows how to properly spark a Zippo, seduce women, shuck oysters, throw a punch, and other Badass Masshole 101 lessons.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of seduce

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

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

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temps

tempt

temptable

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

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Synonyms of tempt

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