temptation

noun

temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən 

1

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

2

: something tempting : a cause or occasion of enticement

Synonyms

• seduction
• lure

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 on the Web

The temptation to make reactive changes based on small sample sizes is constant. —Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 24 Oct. 2025

In our interview, Kondo argued that the temptation of the modern, digital, always-online world demands fleeting, disengaged attention. —Big Think, 22 Oct. 2025

And when asked about whether the team might pursue a trade for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, Brewers manager Pat Murphy acknowledged the temptation. —Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

The temptation to shop is turbocharged with algorithms like that of TikTok Shop, enticing people to try more channels and products. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English temptacioun "testing, enticement to sin," borrowed from Anglo-French tentacion, borrowed from Late Latin temptātiōn-, temptātiō "enticement to sin," going back to Latin, "attempt, attack," from temptāre "to feel, test, attempt, make an assault on, attack" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at tempt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for temptation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

temptation

noun

temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of tempting : the state of being tempted especially to evil

2

: something tempting