bait 1 of 2

noun

Definition of baitnext
1
as in lure
something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap cheese is the traditional bait for trapping mice

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in temptation
something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain the promise of free vacation is surefire bait to get people to agree to be chaperones for school trips

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bait

2 of 2

verb

ˈbāt How to pronounce bait (audio)
1
as in to taunt
to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults I wished the candidates would stop baiting each other and instead address the real issues

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to lure
to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage the investment scheme cunningly baits the greedy and the unscrupulous

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word bait distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of bait are badger, chivy, heckle, hector, and hound. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim.

baited the chained dog

When can badger be used instead of bait?

Although the words badger and bait have much in common, badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy.

badgered her father for a car

When would chivy be a good substitute for bait?

While the synonyms chivy and bait are close in meaning, chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging.

chivied the new student mercilessly

When is it sensible to use heckle instead of bait?

The words heckle and bait are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker.

drunks heckled the stand-up comic

When could hector be used to replace bait?

The words hector and bait can be used in similar contexts, but hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering.

football players hectored by their coach

Where would hound be a reasonable alternative to bait?

The meanings of hound and bait largely overlap; however, hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing.

hounded by creditors

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 bait
Noun
Another device, called a 4-Poster bait station, attacks the ticks that congregate on deer’s heads. — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Officials said the tactic has proven effective in less than three months, with the bait bikes repeatedly stolen and quickly recovered by deputies — resulting in dozens of arrests. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
There are baited Japanese beetle traps, but research at the University of Kentucky shows that the traps attract many more beetles than are actually caught. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 30 May 2026 Spurs center Victor Wembanyama baited Towns and Knicks center Mitchell Robinson into fouls. — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bait
  1. lure
  2. temptation
  3. taunt
  4. tempt
  5. trap
  6. tease
  7. seduce
  8. hook
Noun
  • Though the story itself is comically predictable, Chloe Bailey’s earnest portrayal and the lure of the iconic Lynn Whitfield make the movie fun to watch even as the narrative completely unravels at the seams.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 26 June 2026
  • Early also has a larger target in view, the fickleness of internet celebrity, a lure that often comes with self-harm.
    — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of lure
Noun
  • So the prize is obvious and the temptation to believe in it is strong.
    — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Our confidence, creative expression and ambitions are amplified, but the temptation to dominate or make everything about praise and recognition is strong.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of temptation
Verb
  • Steak 'n Shake announced its month-long Liberty Meal deal to celebrate America's 250th birthday — and used the occasion to taunt a competitor.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • In the Chicago area, officials said three men captured a victim and shot him multiple times in the head and allegedly taunted his mother.
    — Luke Barr, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of taunt
Verb
  • Now the game’s future is looking decidedly brighter and many more players of the original may be tempted to give the sequel a second chance.
    — Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • If the thermostat is working properly but the air conditioner is struggling, don't be tempted to turn down the temperature even more.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Definition of tempt
Noun
  • The heat wave is making a bad air-quality situation worse as a high-pressure system traps soot and fine particles close to the ground instead of dispersing them.
    — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The safety car came out to allow the Red Bull to be recovered from the gravel trap it was parked in.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026
Definition of trap
Verb
  • While the flagship movie franchise is coming to an end, Diesel previously teased that NBCUniversal has four TV shows in development from the Fast & Furious world.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 July 2026
  • The featurette teases Zada as Haymitch, with scenes ranging from the literal sunrise on his Reaping Day to Capitol interviews to the Games itself.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 4 July 2026
Definition of tease
Verb
  • 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, Literary Hub, 26 June 2026
Definition of seduce
Noun
  • Without a pole, hook, or tree to climb, squirrels are left defeated and bereft.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
  • Take a cue and hang your towel in a more unobtrusive place, like on a hook in the bathroom.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of hook

Phrases Containing bait

Browse Nearby Words

bairns
bait
bait and switch
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Cite this Entry

“Bait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bait. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bait

Nglish: Translation of bait for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bait

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