tantalizing

adjective

tan·​ta·​liz·​ing ˈtan-tə-ˌlī-ziŋ 

: possessing a quality that arouses or stimulates desire or interest

also : mockingly or teasingly out of reach

tantalizingly adverb

Examples of tantalizing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But on this tantalizing question the record is silent. —Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026

For others, particularly those that retain a good chunk of gas, there's a tantalizing possibility of rejuvenation — a second act, where star formation could kick off again, albeit temporarily, leading to a temporary cessation rather than a terminal one. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2026

The Vikings might need a more reliable back than a true weapon, but Claiborne would add a tantalizing dimension to the run game. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

Much like James Marsden’s entrance as the obnoxiously wealthy and charismatic Owen Ashe, this sophomore season has come in hot and much more tantalizing, dramatic, emotional, and funnier than before. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of tantalize

First Known Use

circa 1683, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tantalizing

• advertising
• amortizing
• analyzing
• anodizing
• appetizing
• atomizing
• authorising
• authorizing
• carbonizing
• carburizing
• catalyzing
• centralising