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
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decoy
Joe Hernandez, NPR, 23 June 2025
The mission involved surprise decoy elements, with a group of B-2 Spirit bombers, a type of stealth bomber plane, taking off from Whiteman Air Force base in Missouri.
—Katelyn Ferral, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025
Matthew Bunn, The Conversation, 6 June 2025
During that time, police used decoy trains to catch graffiti vandals, and O'Donnell suggested that Tesla could partner with law enforcement and do something similar to catch and deter would-be vandals.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decoy
Noun
Some bombers flew west as decoys, while the other planes that would ultimately strike Iranian nuclear sites flew east.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 23 June 2025
The mission involved surprise decoy elements, with a group of B-2 Spirit bombers, a type of stealth bomber plane, taking off from Whiteman Air Force base in Missouri.
—Katelyn Ferral, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025
Verb
Countermeasures include multiple warheads per missile, decoy warheads and warheads that can maneuver or are difficult to track, among others.
—Matthew Bunn, The Conversation, 6 June 2025
During that time, police used decoy trains to catch graffiti vandals, and O'Donnell suggested that Tesla could partner with law enforcement and do something similar to catch and deter would-be vandals.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decoy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decoy
Noun
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The Field School trips, by contrast, give an unbiased sampling of whatever goes for its bait.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
22 July 2025
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Using three potential scenarios, the hour-long episode breaks down survival tactics that could mean the difference between life and death for an unlucky human shark bait.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
20 July 2025
Verb
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As a result, Ireland, Singapore, and other countries began offering tax incentives to lure U.S. pharmaceutical firms into establishing manufacturing operations and subsidiaries within their borders.—
Thomas J. Bollyky,
Foreign Affairs,
22 July 2025
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Promotions like Miami Spice and Taste the Gables, which runs through the end of July, are a way to lure customers during what is becoming an ever-longer low season.—
Connie Ogle
July 22,
Miami Herald,
22 July 2025
Verb
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Address: Andros 845 00, Greece Wellness travelers will be tempted by the offerings at Kea Retreat, a family-run boutique hotel located in a hillside nature reserve above the pristine blue waters of Psathi Bay.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
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Luxe new all-inclusive resorts like Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets now tempt visitors to stick around past sunset rather than take the ferry home at the end of the day.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Split rumors arose when Furlan revealed that she had been seduced by a catfish posing as musician Ronnie Radke.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
20 July 2025
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Instead, Piero and Lara are cautiously trying to seduce one another while protecting themselves from shagging what could be a crazy person.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
16 July 2025
Verb
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For six months, President Trump tried to entice Putin to the table.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 July 2025
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Culinary delight often begins with a visual feast that entices people to indulge in delicious flavors.—
Molly Peck,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Eventually, the victim is persuaded to contact an IT security representative, who, in fact, is part of the ransomware operation.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
26 July 2025
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During an interview with The Standard, Ozzy admitted that even though he was intoxicated during the violent incident, that didn't persuade him to stop drinking.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decoy. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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