temptation
noun
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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
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Synonyms for temptation
Synonyms
allurement, bait, come-on, enticement, lure, siren song, turn-on
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Examples of temptation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Commitments last when a couple's respect and affection for each other negate most of those temptations, and when their maturity and impulse control are sufficient to withstand the rest. — Carolyn Hax, Detroit Free Press, "Trust comes between high school sweethearts heading to college," 31 Jan. 2018 But in Donald Trump’s America, the daily temptation is to sink to his level. — Jonathan Zimmerman, SFChronicle.com, "Trump’s critics must resist urge to sink to his rhetoric," 22 June 2018 Hardy took the unusual step of living in the upstairs dormitories, to fully immerse himself in training and resist temptation. — Robert Klemko, SI.com, "Greg Hardy, the UFC and the Limits of the Second Chance," 25 June 2018 Keep your torso still and resist the temptation to hike up your shoulder. — Southern Living, "The One Thing You Should Do Every Hour on a Plane," 25 May 2018 The researchers recommend resisting the temptation to over-plan, and instead focusing on one activity at a time. — Jamie Ducharme, Time, "How to Have the Most Fun in Your Free Time, According to Science," 6 July 2018 The faithful may be turned off by a theology worthy of a vacation Bible school dropout, as well as seduction sequences that threaten to lead viewers into temptation. — Kimber Myers, latimes.com, "Weak theology, chaste horror and bad filmmaking sink 'But Deliver Us From Evil'," 2 Mar. 2018 Resist any temptation to treat your hangover with more alcohol. — Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Fourth of July: Hangover cures for your patriotic beverage binge," 4 July 2018 However, the New York agency’s website sought to squelch any such temptation. — Martin Weil, Washington Post, "Huge, toxic weed found for first time in Virginia, experts say," 19 June 2018These 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.
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More Definitions for temptation
temptation
noun
English Language Learners Definition of temptation
: 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
See the full definition for temptation in the English Language Learners Dictionary
temptation
noun
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Kids Definition of temptation
1 : the act of considering or causing to consider doing something wrong or unwise
2 : a strong desire a temptation for candy
3 : something that causes a strong desire The money was a temptation.
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