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 Diaz centers music as the emotional vehicle that provides a philosophical structure for the character tropes and in turn psychologically seduces the audience to internalize certain ideas of social dynamics. — Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 If Gayle Newland had been a cis man who had seduced Miss X by pretending to be Kye Fortune, the case would have fallen outside the McNally principle, and Miss X would have had very little chance of having her complaint heard. — S. C. Cornell, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026 Adva Lavie, an OnlyFans model, already is facing criminal charges in Los Angeles County for allegedly seducing and stealing from rich men. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 Many have taken up such invitations, seduced by the island’s stress-free, go-slow rhythm. — Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seduce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seduce

Verb

There are two clues that suggest Burnham may be tempted to pull the trigger.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
With substantial American forces already positioned in the region, Washington may be tempted to break the deadlock through another round of attacks.

— Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of tempt

Verb

The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
The challenge was not simply to persuade undecided voters, but to get those who already preferred him to show up at the polls.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Emirates, which has nearly returned to its prewar capacity, is trying to entice more connecting travelers on long-haul flights to make a stop in Dubai.

— Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The 17-year-old said there is a lot of peer pressure to vape, and the product flavors and designs are enticing for teens.

— Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of entice

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seduce

seduced

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“Seduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seduce. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of seduce

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