lure
8 synonyms for lure, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Something that tempts or attracts, often with the promise of pleasure or reward.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Something that tempts or attracts, often with the promise of pleasure or reward.
“The lure of easy money drew him into the scam.”
How to use lure
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the lure of
lure someone away
fishing lure
Etymology
From Old French loirre, from a Frankish word for the object used to call a hawk back in falconry — its root may connect to a very old word meaning "invitation."
Full origin of lure →Frequently asked questions
What does “lure” mean?
The word “lure” means something that tempts or attracts, often with the promise of pleasure or reward. In plain terms, something tempting used to attract someone (or a fish), or the act of tempting them that way.
How do you pronounce “lure”?
“Lure” is pronounced loor (/lʊəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lure” in a sentence?
Here is “lure” used in a sentence: “The lure of easy money drew him into the scam.”
What part of speech is “lure”?
Depending on how it is used, “lure” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lure” come from?
The word “lure” comes from Old French. From Old French loirre, from a Frankish word for the object used to call a hawk back in falconry — its root may connect to a very old word meaning "invitation.".
Is “lure” a common word?
“Lure” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lure” have?
“Lure” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that tempts or attracts, often with the promise of pleasure or reward.
What is the difference between a "lure" and "bait"?
A "lure" is typically an artificial object designed to attract fish by imitating prey, while "bait" is often real or natural food used for the same purpose. Both are used to attract fish, but a lure specifically implies an artificial device.
What is the difference between "lure" and "tempt"?
"Lure" and "tempt" both describe attracting someone with something appealing, but "lure" often carries a stronger sense of drawing someone toward something, sometimes with an implication of risk or deception, while "tempt" focuses more simply on the pull of desire.
Can "lure" be used for people as well as fish?
Yes. As a verb, "lure" describes attracting a person by offering something tempting, and as a noun it can describe any tempting attraction, not just artificial fishing bait.
