BEGUILE Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of beguile are deceive , delude , and mislead . While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving. // was beguiled by false promises

Q: When is 'deceive' a more appropriate choice than 'beguile'?

While the synonyms deceive and beguile are close in meaning, deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness. // tried to deceive me about the cost

Q: When would 'delude' be a good substitute for 'beguile'?

The meanings of delude and beguile largely overlap; however, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth. // we were deluded into thinking we were safe

Q: In what contexts can 'mislead' take the place of 'beguile'?

The words mislead and beguile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional. // I was misled by the confusing sign

beguile

verb

bi-ˈgī(-ə)l

Definition of beguile

as in to fascinate

to attract or delight as if by magic the magician effortlessly beguiled and amazed the children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to deceive

to cause to believe what is untrue beguiled her into believing that yet another worthless item would enhance her life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage was beguiled by the promise of easy money as a drug dealer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb beguile differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of beguile are deceive, delude, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is deceive a more appropriate choice than beguile?

While the synonyms deceive and beguile are close in meaning, deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

When would delude be a good substitute for beguile?

The meanings of delude and beguile largely overlap; however, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

In what contexts can mislead take the place of beguile?

The words mislead and beguile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

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 beguile Defined by her beauty and its capacity to both beguile and betray, she can be interpreted as a destructive force and personification of the male fear of female autonomy. — Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026 They have been used so often, the labels have worked to beguile the Democratic base into accepting that Republicans really are evil, that all the hyperbolic language is true and that progressives should be proud of their moral and intellectual superiority. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026 Wooley sensitively explores the nuances of Miles’ profound music, with Susan Alcorn’s beguiling clouds of pedal steel guitar, Ava Mendoza’s potent electric guitar, and Ryan Sawyer’s responsive drumming. — Bret Saunders, Denver Post, 6 June 2026 The neighborhood/area Savvy visitors often prefer to stay along beguiling Atlantic Seaboard neighborhoods like Bantry Bay and Clifton for their stunning water views and endless sunsets, or in the lively Gardens or Seapoint areas with their hip cafés and boutiques. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for beguile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beguile

Verb

The Vesuvius disaster and its immense human toll continue to fascinate historians and the public millennia later.

— Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Denby, as a critic, was fascinated by the great dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, as much for his expressions as for his torso, arms, or legs.

— Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Definition of fascinate

Verb

Part of the robot’s training was to handle situations in which its handlers have deliberately deceived it.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 6 July 2026
With or without Balogun, the co-host will be feeling confident against a Belgium team that has flattered to deceive in this tournament so far.

— David Hickey, NBC news, 6 July 2026

Definition of deceive

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

Verb

Some supplements and chews are offered in different flavors to better entice your dog.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
That subscription data, entertainment, and safety service offers complementary base services, but owners are enticed to upgrade for premium services.

— Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

Don’t be fooled by their jaw-dropping price; the flats boast a luxe look thanks to their low profile and—of course—glove silhouette.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 July 2026
The fluffy blooms on mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin) look pretty in pink, but don’t be fooled by their dainty appearance.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 July 2026

Definition of fool

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

Verb

This lighthearted cameo delighted longtime fans and underscored that, while the late-night institution has closed, Colbert himself isn't disappearing from the spotlight anytime soon.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 June 2026
On the final day of Pride Month, here’s one final bonkers gay story to delight and amaze you.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 June 2026

Definition of delight

Verb

These fraudulent sites often mimic legitimate stores or rank high in search results, tricking desperate consumers into buying non-existent AC units.

— Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
The revenge story saw Tucker's exes convincing Snow's Kate to trick the ladies' man into falling in love with her.

— Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Definition of trick

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begs off

beguile

beguiled

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“Beguile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beguile. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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