decoy 1 of 2

noun

ˈdē-ˌkȯi How to pronounce decoy (audio)
Definition of decoynext
as in bait
something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap we set the decoy afloat in the marsh and from the blind waited for the ducks to arrive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

decoy

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈkȯi How to pronounce decoy (audio)
as in to lure
to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage tacky souvenir shops to which first-time tourists had been decoyed into spending their hard-earned money

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb decoy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of decoy are entice, inveigle, lure, seduce, and tempt. While all these words mean "to lead astray from one's true course," decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

Where would entice be a reasonable alternative to decoy?

The meanings of entice and decoy largely overlap; however, entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

When might inveigle be a better fit than decoy?

The words inveigle and decoy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

When would lure be a good substitute for decoy?

In some situations, the words lure and decoy are roughly equivalent. However, lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

When could seduce be used to replace decoy?

The words seduce and decoy can be used in similar contexts, but seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

When is tempt a more appropriate choice than decoy?

The synonyms tempt and decoy are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 decoy
Noun
Another possibility is that the ransomware was used to cover up evidence of the intrusion or act as a decoy to draw attention away from the true nature of the espionage attacks. — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025 Last year’s offense was too content allowing Metcalf to be a decoy and draw attention that created opportunities for others. — Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
Russia fired 161 Shahed and decoy drones and up to 14 missiles of various types at Ukraine overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, according to military authorities. — Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 21 Feb. 2025 Some £68 million ($85.5 million) will go toward air defense equipment including radars, decoy land equipment, and counter-drone electronic warfare systems. — Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for decoy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decoy
  1. bait
  2. lure
  3. tempt
  4. seduce
  5. entice
  6. persuade
Noun
  • However, all three species face a number of threats, including land clearing, habitat competition with cattle, poison bait set out for rabbit control, drought, road deaths, predation and disease.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
  • No doubt Erivo and Grande’s participation will also be heavily touted in upcoming ABC promos for the show, just as Barbie, which had the promise of Billie Eilish and Ryan Gosling performances, as big ratings bait last year.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of bait
Verb
  • Before the start of Season 5, there was a flurry of transfers as the two newest teams — Brazil and Italy — lured some top talent away from the highest-performing teams of recent years.
    — Andrew Rice, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • For the new season, Hacks has lured Hacks Julianne Nicholson, Michaela Watkins, Bresha Webb, Robby Hoffman, and Eric Balfour for guest starring roles.
    — Lynette Rice, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of lure
Verb
  • Just be sure they're not too tempted to eat only gummy worms for breakfast!
    — Kimberly Stoney, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
  • This often tempts developers to prototype in Python before implementing production-grade Rust solutions. 5.
    — Amandeep Midha, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of tempt
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
Definition of seduce
Verb
  • The goal for Boca Raton officials is to entice not just various wealthy industries but to bring in new residents and tourists, too.
    — Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2025
  • How fast that figure ascends is somewhat dependent on mortgage rates — lower rates would entice more existing owners to sell.
    — Nerdwallet, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of entice
Verb
  • Gibson also persuaded the rail network to construct a station at Old Trafford.
    — Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
  • His wife, who can be heard sniffling or in tears during various points of the video, tries to persuade the agents her husband is cooperating.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of persuade

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Cite this Entry

“Decoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decoy. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on decoy

Nglish: Translation of decoy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about decoy

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