Synonyms of seduce

seduce

verb

si-ˈdüs 

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

• tempt
• lure
• persuade
• entice
• betray
• beguile
• bait
• allure
• solicit
• lead on
• fascinate
• trap
• decoy
• enchant
• ensnare
• entrap
• draw in
• inveigle
• rope (in)
• captivate
• charm
• snow
• bewitch
• mesh
• snare
• catch
• enmesh
• magnetize
• tangle
• wile

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warn
• alert
• ward (off)
• caution
• drive (away or off)
• forewarn
• turn away
• repulse

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

Recent Examples of seduce

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

On his final voyage, Gulliver meets the Houyhnhnms, a race of supremely intelligent horses that follow the wisdom of reason and tradition rather than the speculation of science and technology that seduces the Laputans. — Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026

Ricki is charismatic but not otherwordly; if anything, the fact that James is able to seduce or threaten without appearing to do much at all is what makes Ricki extra formidable. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

When Miguel is being seduced by the bunker project, Zeller and composer Volker Bertelmann even weave voices resembling the Sirens into the score. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026