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Synonyms

entice

American  
[en-tahys] / ɛnˈtaɪs /

verb (used with object)

enticed, enticing
  1. to lead on by exciting hope or desire; allure; inveigle.

    They were enticed westward by dreams of gold.

    Synonyms:
    tempt, decoy, attract, lure
    Antonyms:
    repel

entice British  
/ ɪnˈtaɪs /

verb

  1. (tr) to attract or draw towards oneself by exciting hope or desire; tempt; allure

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • enticement noun
  • enticer noun
  • enticing adjective
  • enticingly adverb
  • enticingness noun
  • unenticed adjective

Etymology

Origin of entice

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English enticen, from Old French enticier “to incite,” from unattested Vulgar Latin intitiāre, equivalent to Latin in- in- 2 + -titiāre, verbal derivative of unattested titius, for titiō “piece of burning wood”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The geopolitical squeeze between the U.S. and China is focusing politicians’ minds, while the past year’s equity outperformance could entice savers off the sidelines.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

The Colleen Hoover-verse is designed to entice the reader or viewer looking for something that feels good and is easily digestible, without necessarily being unique.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

For her window display at the new Toast store in West Hollywood, artist Kyna Payawal wanted to entice pedestrians to stay and linger.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

“By bringing in the Kalshi odds you can entice people to make some more interesting picks, and they get paid off for doing that,” Kolarik says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

They soon found out that they would not have to entice the inhabitants away.

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry