temptation

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noun temp·ta·tion \ tem(p)-ˈtā-shən \

Definition of temptation

1 :the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil :enticement

2 :something tempting :a cause or occasion of enticement

See temptation defined for English-language learners

See temptation defined for kids

Examples of temptation in a Sentence

Money is always a temptation.
The dessert menu has a lot of delicious temptations.
the temptations of the city

Recent Examples of temptation from the Web

Kid can be screaming her head off like Joey Votto at an umpire and the sounds of the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and Wilson Pickett shut her up instantly.

— mo egger, Cincinnati.com, "Guest TML: Let me tell you about Doc...," 18 Aug. 2017
Strobes Resist the temptation to overuse strobe lights.

— kiona smith-strickland, Popular Mechanics, "5 Scary Ways to Light Up Your Yard for Halloween," 15 Aug. 2017
But the temptation of regaining power through demographic change may be too strong, not to mention that any firmness on border enforcement may be impossible during primaries.

— t.a. frank, The Hive, "The Democratic Case for Restricting Immigration," 9 Aug. 2017
There is a temptation to rush to canonize your memory, there is no need to do so.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "Looking Back at Princess Diana's Brother's Controversial Eulogy," 24 July 2017
This could help hundreds of millions of children stuck in dismal classes—but only if edtech boosters can resist the temptation to revive harmful ideas about how children learn.

— The Economist, "Education technologyTogether, technology and teachers can revamp schools," 22 July 2017
These tests show that the ravens have the ability to recognize and remember the tool, anticipate its utility, and show self-control in the face of more immediate temptations, all key components of planning.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Ravens—like humans and apes—can plan for the future," 13 July 2017
That’s to avoid corruption that could result from the temptation to swap low land values for votes and other favors.

— roxie hammill, kansascity.com, "County appraiser holds onto his post — barely," 28 June 2017
In fact, when the irresistible temptation to compare these misbehaving tourist attractions to Crichton’s other famous fictional Park of horrors arises, Wood’s character, Dolores, emerges as the season’s biggest threat.

— vanityfair.com, VanityFair.com, "Thandie Newton on How Westworld’s “Profound” Nude Scenes Gave Maeve Her Voice," 26 June 2017

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

First Known Use of temptation

13th century

temptation Synonyms

Synonyms

allurement, enticement, lure, seduction

Related Words

siren song; allure, appeal, attraction, attractiveness, charm, enchantment, glamour (also glamor); beckoning, invitation; bait, inducement, influence, persuasion, power, sway

Near Antonyms

alarm (also alarum), alert, caution, forewarning, notice, warning

TEMPTATION Defined for English Language Learners

temptation

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noun

Definition of temptation for English Language Learners

: a strong urge or desire to have or do something
: something that causes a strong urge or desire to have or do something and especially something that is bad, wrong, or unwise