seduce

verb

si-ˈdüs How to pronounce seduce (audio)
Definition of seducenext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 And Becky seduced her new boyfriend with expensive gifts, too. —Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025 We can all be seduced by the prospect of eternal life and beauty. —Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025 Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker is seduced by the Dark Side of the Force to become the Emperor’s new apprentice: Darth Vader. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025 Instinct says to seduce with a decadent chocolate treat, but sadly, my Valentine for the past 20 years isn’t the biggest chocolate lover. —Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seduce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seduce
  1. tempt
  2. lure
  3. persuade
  4. entice
Verb
  • Category extension: Beyond time pieces, time objects Being resilient also means finding new ways to be relevant for consumers who might have an abundant watch collection and might be much more difficult to tempt with new ones.
    — Stéphane JG Girod, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Again, Lewandowski is coming short and tempting the right-sided centre-back higher up the pitch.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of tempt
Verb
  • In Germany, phony emails containing QR codes lured eBanking customers to malicious websites under the guise of reviewing privacy policy updates to their accounts.
    — David G.W. Birch, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Most parents are looking for ways to lure their children away from TV and iPads.
    — Emily Edlynn, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of lure
Verb
  • Again, this is a case of humans using AI to persuade people to adopt their views rather than an indication that AI is extreme or prone to suggesting extreme ideas and behaviors.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Edwards said the heaviest charges may have been included as a scare tactic to try and persuade Read to take a plea deal.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of persuade
Verb
  • One reason is that in order to entice people to buy its stock, a company needs to offer potential shareholders something in return.
    — Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Those touches are some of the reasons that entice fans to buy from brands.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of entice

Browse Nearby Words

seditious
seduce
seduced
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Cite this Entry

“Seduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seduce. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of seduce for Spanish Speakers

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