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 United States economy is vastly different from ancient Rome’s, with one important exception: there remains today the same temptation to finance public promises with money created out of thin air. —Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025

Cancellara’s allusion to Van Aert showcases the temptation to include other riders. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 3 July 2025

And for those who can't resist the temptation, any mocktail can be easily elevated with a touch of their signature sotol. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

That temptation, rich in moral confusion, runs through Leonardland, onscreen as on the page. —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 30 June 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