DECOY Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

decoy 1 of 2

noun

ˈdē-ˌkȯi

Definition of decoy next

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

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of decoy

Noun

After Rome tells Genevieve that Kishan floated her name as a decoy, Genevieve flips the script. —

Nick Caruso, TVLine, 9 Oct. 2024 Ukrainian sources suggest that Gerberas main role is as a decoy. —

David Hambling, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

Verb

Hunting Methods Though both fulvous and black-bellies will decoy into spreads and respond to calling, most whistling ducks are taken incidentally via pass shooting. —

M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 10 Jan. 2024 Hunters know teal as birds that are often easy to decoy, but speedy and difficult to shoot. —

Phil Bourjaily, Field & Stream, 27 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for decoy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decoy

Noun

The study also shows how the effective existing management strategies are, such as limiting the number of days cage-diving operations can occur, controlling the amount of bait used, and reducing the amount of bait that sharks consume.

Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
President Carol Folt has put the full weight of her office behind making this work, even getting behind a $200-million football performance center, when the school has plenty of other things to pay for. USC, quite literally, can’t afford to cut bait now, in Year 3.

Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024