temptation

noun temp·ta·tion \ tem(p)-ˈtā-shən \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Examples: temptation in a Sentence

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

Her home is devoid of clutter and junk drawers—exercising restraint, albeit with temptation.

— danielle fox, ELLE Decor, "Inside the Vintage-Filled Chelsea Home of Etsy’s COO," 5 June 2018
Historically, that always has led to human rights violations, to corruption and to abuse of power because the checks and balances are essential to control temptations that individuals have to absolute power.

— Washington Post, "AP Interview: UN expert says Manila’s judiciary under attack," 1 June 2018
Because cheating on this scale isn't about succumbing to temptation or reacting to neglect.

— dan savage, Chicago Reader, "A serial adulterer makes a case for himself, and gets reamed," 25 Apr. 2018
There’s a temptation to tax this one last source, which would be bad for retirees.

— diane moca, Naperville Sun, "Panelists, residents weigh in on state's financial crisis during forum at North Central College," 25 May 2018
That last one finds Willis pleading for relief from the temptations and distractions of contemporary life.

— Philly.com, "Album reviews: Charlie Puth, Chvrches, Kelly Willis," 24 May 2018
Whatever temptation there may be in a final to be conservative, to hold back a fraction, Liverpool has to attack.

— jonathan wilson, SI.com, "What Jurgen Klopp's Cup Final Past Indicates for Liverpool Entering UCL Title Bout," 24 May 2018
In the midst of all this sunlight, in the midst of all this green, there’s the temptation to unsee your more difficult visions — the darkness, the danger, the wild prickly landscapes.

— claire comstock-gay, The Cut, "Madame Clairevoyant: Horoscopes for the Week of May 21," 21 May 2018
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

— cnn staff, CNN, "Full order of service for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle," 18 May 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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temptation Synonyms

TEMPTATION Defined for English Language Learners

temptation

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