1
2
3

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 Contemporary takes abound, but vintage sleuthing can turn up some particularly beguiling options. Tom Stubbs, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2024 Not to be missed, however, is The Green House, a beguiling antique solarium, a perfect garden café for a cup of espresso, hot tea, or freshly baked pastry. Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 This six day, five-night tour is an incredible way to see and experience this beguiling island destination, while staying in some Madeira’s most elegant resorts along the way. Michelle Gross, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Argento’s galvanizing picture remains a masterclass in harnessing the power of image and music to beguile an audience. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 15 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for beguile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beguile
Verb
  • Their affair gives poignant momentum to The Deepest Breath, which is fascinated with athletic obsession.
    Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The grand monuments, enigmatic gods, and legendary rulers of Ancient Egypt have fascinated the world for centuries.
    David Nikel, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But appearances can be deceiving because there's a lot of bright side here.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Trips down memory lane, especially when Star Wars video games are involved, can be deceiving.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As per usual, the NFL player was in the comment section fawning over the singer and tempting her with a good time.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 Mar. 2025
  • You may be tempted to fall back and go to sleep right then and there.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But the black-and-white film about two Black couples, played by the same actors, living in Chicago during two different time periods, didn’t entice distributors.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Instead, General Catalyst is in rapid expansion mode — trying to build the sort of diversified, fee-generating asset base that would entice Wall Street analysts to use firms like Blackstone as comps.
    Dan Primack, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Look for the producer, grape variety, region, and vintage, and don’t be fooled by flashy words.
    Emily Price, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Also, unlike its many imposters (and there are many similar looking wireless lamps out there, so don’t be fooled), the Poldina comes with a 1-year warranty on the battery and a 2-year warranty for any defects.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Raúl Castillo plays against type and makes for a menacing, unstoppable presence in a genre homage that’s yell-at-the-scream enjoyable and seduces with its terrific cinematography from Daniel Katz.
    Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Carpenter wrapped her performance with a camera trick implying her attempt to seduce a member of the King’s Guard.
    Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for enchanting views of Christoffelberg.
    Curaçao Tourist Board, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The competition’s ultimate underdog story belongs to Calais and the team of talented and spirited fourth-tier part-timers who enchanted the whole of France by battling their way to the final in 2000.
    Tom Williams, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Phishing works by tricking the user, with no reliance on any particular operating system or browser.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Here are some alternative snacking options that can help trick your brain into feeling full.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Beguile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beguile. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on beguile

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!