tantalizing

adjective tan·ta·liz·ing \ ˈtan-tə-ˌlī-ziŋ \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of tantalizing

: possessing a quality that arouses or stimulates desire or interest; also : mockingly or teasingly out of reach

—

tantalizingly

adverb

Recent Examples of tantalizing from the Web

There were tantalizing moments — long stretches, even — in his courageous performance.

— anthony tommasini, New York Times, "Review: Jonas Kaufmann Takes a Big Step Toward ‘Tristan’," 13 Apr. 2018
This was baffling but tantalizing when introduced in the first episode.

— kristi turnquist, OregonLive.com, "'Here and Now': HBO's Portland-set drama has been an intriguing disappointment," 12 Apr. 2018
Of course, this means that we will be treated to a twin bill of tantalizing Stanley Cup appetizers between Bruins-Maple Leafs and Jets-Wild.

— si.com staff, SI.com, "2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs: SI Staffers Make Postseason Predictions," 11 Apr. 2018
The youngest brother might have the most tantalizing potential of any defensive prospect in this draft and should be a top-15 pick.

— michael middlehurst-schwartz, USA TODAY, "National Siblings Day: Which brothers were best NFL draft prospects?," 10 Apr. 2018
One tantalizing wrinkle here is that under normal circumstances, attorney-client privilege protects communications between, uh, attorneys and their clients.

— jay willis, GQ, "Trump's Lawyers Need More Lawyers," 9 Apr. 2018
An informant had told the federal drug agents a tantalizing tale.

— john maccormack, San Antonio Express-News, "Corrupt Texas sheriff soon to be released from prison," 6 Apr. 2018
This year, Woods — fresh off top-five finishes in his past two starts — arrives as the most tantalizing story line in a Masters bubbling with intrigue.

— ron kroichick, San Francisco Chronicle, "Tiger Woods might not be ready to win Masters quite yet," 4 Apr. 2018
As a Detroit Lions rookie last season, receiver Kenny Golladay displayed tantalizing ability, though inconsistent.

— marlowe alter, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Lions' Kenny Golladay among 10 players 'primed to break out'," 3 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tantalizing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of tantalizing

circa 1683

in the meaning defined above

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tantalizing

Definition of tantalizing

tantalizingly

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First Known Use of tantalizing

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tantalizing

Definition of tantalizing

tantalizingly

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