DECOY: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for DECOY?

Need another word that means the same as “decoy”? Find 9 synonyms and 30 related words for “decoy” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Decoy” are: steerer, bait, lure, red herring, entice, induce, inveigle, ensnare

Decoy as a Noun

Definitions of "Decoy" as a noun

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “decoy” as a noun can have the following definitions:

• A person or thing used to mislead or lure someone into a trap.
• A beguiler who leads someone into danger (usually as part of a plot.
• Something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killed.
• A bird or mammal, or an imitation of one, used by hunters to attract other birds or mammals.
• A pond from which narrow netted channels lead, into which wild duck may be enticed for capture.

Synonyms of "Decoy" as a noun (4 Words)

bait	Something intended to entice someone to do something. Herrings make excellent bait for pike.
lure	Something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killed. The film industry always has been a glamorous lure for young girls.
red herring	Emotionally charged terms used to refer to extreme radicals or revolutionaries.
steerer	A beguiler who leads someone into danger (usually as part of a plot.

Usage Examples of "Decoy" as a noun

• A decoy duck.
• We need a decoy to distract their attention.

Decoy as a Verb

Definitions of "Decoy" as a verb

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “decoy” as a verb can have the following definitions:

• Lure or entrap with or as if with a decoy.
• Lure or entice (a person or animal) away from their intended course, typically into a trap.

Synonyms of "Decoy" as a verb (5 Words)

ensnare	Catch in or as if in a trap. They were ensnared in city centre traffic.
entice	Provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion. The treat is offered to entice the dog to eat.
induce	Bring on childbirth in (a pregnant woman) artificially, typically by the use of drugs. None of these measures induced a change of policy.
inveigle	Influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering. We cannot inveigle him into putting pen to paper.
lure	Tempt (a person or animal) to do something or to go somewhere, especially by offering some form of reward. The child was lured into a car but managed to escape.

Usage Examples of "Decoy" as a verb

• They would try to decoy the enemy towards the hidden group.

Associations of "Decoy" (30 Words)

albatross	Large web-footed birds of the southern hemisphere having long narrow wings; noted for powerful gliding flight. An albatross of a marriage.
allure	Dispose or incline or entice to. Will sponsors really be allured by such opportunities.
attract	Be attractive to. The gravitational pull of a planet attracts other bodies.
bait	Lure entice or entrap with bait. I used a hook baited with fat.
captivate	Attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm. He was captivated by her beauty.
chick	Informal terms for a (young) woman. Dozens of fluffy chirruping chicks hatched out.
chicken	The flesh of a chicken used for food. I was too chicken to go to court.
cygnet	A young swan.
delusive	Giving a false or misleading impression. Delusive expectations.
duck	Flesh of a duck domestic or wild. A tangy stew of duck lamb and sausage.
egret	Any of various usually white herons having long plumes during breeding season.
entice	Provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion. A show which should entice a new audience into the theatre.
enticing	Attractive or tempting; alluring. Difficult to say no to an enticing advertisement.
flamingo	Large pink to scarlet web-footed wading bird with down-bent bill; inhabits brackish lakes.
goose	Flesh of a goose domestic or wild. Goose the car.
gull	A person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of.
heron	A large fish-eating wading bird with long legs, a long S-shaped neck, and a long pointed bill.
inducement	Act of bringing about a desired result. Inducement of sleep.
lure	Something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killed. The film industry always has been a glamorous lure for young girls.
nest	Inhabit a nest usually after building. Potato nests filled with okra.
seduction	The action of seducing someone. The seductions of the mainland.
seductive	Tending to entice into a desired action or state. A seductive voice.
spoonbill	A tall mainly white or pinkish wading bird related to ibises, having a long bill with a very broad flat tip.
swan	Stately heavy-bodied aquatic bird with very long neck and usually white plumage as adult. Swanning around Europe nowadays are we.
tempt	Entice or try to entice (someone) to do something that they find attractive but know to be wrong or unwise. I was tempted to look at my watch but didn t dare.
tempter	A person or thing that tempts. Satan is the great tempter of mankind.
tern	A seabird related to the gulls, typically smaller and more slender, with long pointed wings and a forked tail.
webbed	(of the feet of some animals) having the digits connected by a thin fold of skin. A heavy webbed strap.
wince	An instance of wincing. She winced when she heard his pompous speech.