1
as in lures
something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap
cheese is the traditional bait for trapping mice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in temptations
something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain
the promise of free vacation is surefire bait to get people to agree to be chaperones for school trips
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in taunts
to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults
I wished the candidates would stop baiting each other and instead address the real issues
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in tempts
to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage
the investment scheme cunningly baits the greedy and the unscrupulous
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of baits
Jay Stahl, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Keep baits out of reach of kids and pets.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
Some ant products are designed as baits attractive to ants, while others are designed as repellents.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
Fresh runs of shallow crappies aren’t selective, though heavy fishing pressure justifies smaller baits, particularly natural-colored baits in plain black and brown hues.
—Cory Schmidt, Outdoor Life, 15 Apr. 2026
Never place toxic baits on the surface of the ground.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026
Claus likes to put out six live baits on the surface, flying two fishing kites with three lines each, along with some flat-line baits.
—Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Whereas fast fashion baits consumers with poorly made clothing available for a limited time, Jendue takes a more elevated approach with high quality denim from Turkey.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Mar. 2026
Setting traps and baits eradicates or, at least, discourages these pests from tunneling through your garden and nibbling roots to damage perennials and shrubs.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
This Christmas, Nelson’s surprising and fresh remake baits controversy in a couple new ways.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025
Steve, Robin, Nancy, Eddie and Dustin head to the Upside Down, while Max, in the real world, baits Vecna by going to the Creel house with Lucas.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025
Trolling crank baits along points and flats 15 feet deep over deeper water should still work.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
Shult rage-baits Republicans daily.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Keep baits out of reach of kids and pets.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
Some ant products are designed as baits attractive to ants, while others are designed as repellents.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
Fresh runs of shallow crappies aren’t selective, though heavy fishing pressure justifies smaller baits, particularly natural-colored baits in plain black and brown hues.
—Cory Schmidt, Outdoor Life, 15 Apr. 2026
Never place toxic baits on the surface of the ground.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026
Claus likes to put out six live baits on the surface, flying two fishing kites with three lines each, along with some flat-line baits.
—Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
Officials will continue to investigate the area for further evidence of poison bait, and also stressed the importance of the community's cooperation to discourage and prevent the use of poison baits against wildlife.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Whereas fast fashion baits consumers with poorly made clothing available for a limited time, Jendue takes a more elevated approach with high quality denim from Turkey.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Mar. 2026
Setting traps and baits eradicates or, at least, discourages these pests from tunneling through your garden and nibbling roots to damage perennials and shrubs.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
This Christmas, Nelson’s surprising and fresh remake baits controversy in a couple new ways.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025
Steve, Robin, Nancy, Eddie and Dustin head to the Upside Down, while Max, in the real world, baits Vecna by going to the Creel house with Lucas.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025
Trolling crank baits along points and flats 15 feet deep over deeper water should still work.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baits
Verb
-
Owen is a serial killer who, much like Zodiac, taunts the police with phone calls threatening the murder of innocent citizens.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
14 Apr. 2026
-
So much for Anthropic's Super Bowl taunts.—
Alexei Oreskovic,
Fortune,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Newly opened Fowlescombe Farm, a 450-acre estate in south Devon, England, where Tamworth piglets and Manx Loaghtan sheep roam free and wildflowers are encouraged to be picked, lures guests with the promise of slow living.—
Jen Murphy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
-
At the same time, Katie gets abducted by a mysterious neighbor (Hayat Kamille), who lures her in with her favorite chocolates.—
Gregory Nussen,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The video not only teases the studio’s upcoming films and highlights the talent who have signed deals, but also reflects on the Paramount lot’s 100th anniversary.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Despite ending with onscreen text that teases a second movie, there are no scenes during the credits.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Their taste runs so deeply Hollywood, their references so opulent and cinematic, that even a drink tray—in its cream lacquer and chrome border—tempts a standing ovation.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
22 Apr. 2026
-
If a purchase tempts you, say your budget aloud, then choose the upgrade that truly supports daily life.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Intrigued, the Duke secretly seduces Gilda, breaks her heart and destroys Rigoletto’s life.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The victim of his sacrifice is Gretchen, a virgin whom Faust seduces and abandons in his devilish reverie, and who kills their illegitimate child.—
Merve Emre,
New Yorker,
1 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Baits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baits. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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